The group gained global notoriety when five members of the group staged a performance inside Moscow's Cathedral of Christ church in February 2012. The three members were convicted of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" and each sentenced to two years' imprisonment.
The trial and sentence attracted considerable attention and criticism, particularly in the West. The case was adopted by human-rights groups, including Amnesty International, which designated the women as prisoners of conscience, and by a number of prominent entertainers. Public opinion in Russia was generally less sympathetic towards them.
Speaking as much to western European and North American audiences as to Russian audiences, Pussy Riot anticipated Donald Trump's victory two weeks before the outcome of the 2016 United States presidential election was declared and released "Make America Great Again", depicting a dystopian world where a President Trump enforces his values through beatings, shaming, and branding by stormtroopers. In describing the video, Rolling Stone magazine noted that "jaunty, carefree music contrasts with the brutal events depicted on screen."
Rebel Rebel
Pussy Riot Lyrics
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Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
You've got your mother in a whirl
She's not sure if you're a boy, or a girl
Hey, babe, your hair's alright
Hey, babe, let's go out tonight
You like me and I like it all
We like dancing and we look divine
You love bands when they're playing hard
You want more and you want it fast
They put you down, they say I'm wrong
You tacky thing, you put them on
Rebel, rebel, you've torn your dress
Rebel, rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel, rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so
Don't 'ya?
Don't 'ya?
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
You've got your mother in a whirl
'Cause she's not sure if you're a boy, or a girl
Hey, babe, your hair's alright
Hey, babe, let's stay out tonight
You like me and I like it all
We like dancing and we look divine
You love bands when they're playing hard
You want more and you want it fast
They put you down, they say I'm wrong
You tacky thing, you put them on
Rebel, rebel, you've torn your dress
Rebel, rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel, rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so
Don't 'ya?
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Rebel, rebel, you've torn your dress
Rebel, rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel, rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so
Don't 'ya?
You've torn your dress, your face is a mess
You can't get enough, but enough ain't the test
You've got your transmission and your live wire
You got your cue line and a handful of ludes
You wanna be there when they count up the dudes
And I love your dress
You're a juvenile success
Because your face is a mess
(Rebel rebel)
So how could they know?
I said, how could they know?
(Rebel rebel)
So what you wanna know
Calamity's child, chi, cha, chi, cha
(Rebel rebel)
Where'd you wanna go?
What can I do for you?
Looks like you've been there too
'Cause you've torn your dress
(Rebel rebel)
And your face is a mess
Ooo, your face is a mess
(Rebel rebel)
Ooo, ooo, so how could they know?
Ah, ah, how could they know?
(Rebel rebel)
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Pussy Riot's song "Rebel Rebel" is a call for rebellion against societal norms and the constant pressure to conform. It represents a commentary on gender identity and sexual expression, as seen when the lyrics mention the confusion of the singer's mother over his/her gender. The song describes the singer's desire for freedom and the fight against oppression, as seen by the rejection of the societal expectations of dress and behavior.
The repeated chorus of "Rebel, rebel, you've torn your dress, rebel, rebel, your face is a mess, rebel, rebel, how could they know?" highlights the societal pressure to conform to the norm and the desire to break free from that. This is emphasized by the repetition of "don't ya?" at the end of each verse as a plea for validation and acceptance.
Overall, "Rebel Rebel" is a powerful message of empowerment and resistance against the mainstream culture's constraints and expectations. It displays the need to stand up against judgements and oppression and the right to express oneself authentically.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got your mother in a whirl
You are challenging gender norms and your conformist mother cannot handle it.
She's not sure if you're a boy, or a girl
Your mother does not know how to categorize you because you do not adhere to traditional gender roles.
Hey, babe, your hair's alright
You are defying societal expectations and you look fabulous while doing it.
Hey, babe, let's go out tonight
Let's hit the town and continue to raise eyebrows and turn heads with our nonconformity.
You like me and I like it all
We share similar values and are proud of who we are.
We like dancing and we look divine
We have fun expressing ourselves and our confidence is contagious.
You love bands when they're playing hard
You appreciate music that embodies the intensity of rebellion and nonconformity.
You want more and you want it fast
You are not satisfied with the status quo and you want change to happen immediately.
They put you down, they say I'm wrong
People try to stifle our self-expression and they attack us for not fitting into their narrow worldview.
You tacky thing, you put them on
Despite their insults, we remain true to ourselves and our counter-culture aesthetic.
Rebel, rebel, you've torn your dress
Our clothing reflects our rebellion and lack of adherence to societal dress codes.
Rebel, rebel, your face is a mess
Our nonconformity challenges societal norms and as a result, we are sometimes unaccepted and scrutinized.
Rebel, rebel, how could they know?
People who cling to traditional norms cannot understand or appreciate our nonconformity.
Hot tramp, I love you so
Despite societal pressures to conform, I love and embrace your individuality.
You can't get enough, but enough ain't the test
Our desire for change and acceptance cannot be stifled or quenched by those who seek to maintain the status quo.
You've got your transmission and your live wire
Your creative and rebellious spirit is a force to be reckoned with.
You got your cue line and a handful of ludes
You are in control of your own life and destiny and you do what you must to cope in a society that does not understand or accept you.
You wanna be there when they count up the dudes
You want to be recognized as an important and influential figure in the face of societal norms and expectations.
And I love your dress, you're a juvenile success
Your fashion reflects your rebellious spirit and personal success in defying societal expectations.
Because your face is a mess
Our nonconformity challenges the norms of beauty and perfection that society imposes on us.
So what you wanna know, Calamity's child, chi, cha, chi, cha
Our nonconformity and rebellion is a source of fear and confusion for those who cling to traditional societal norms.
Where'd you wanna go?
We are not satisfied with the status quo and we want to move forward and continue to challenge societal norms.
What can I do for you?
We support and uplift one another in our shared rebellion against societal norms.
Looks like you've been there too, 'cause you've torn your dress
We have shared experiences in defying societal expectations and rebelling against the norm.
Ooo, your face is a mess
Our appearance is a reflection of our rebellion against traditional societal norms.
Ah, ah, how could they know?
Those who cling to traditional societal norms cannot understand the revolutionary spirit that drives us.
Writer(s): David Bowie
Contributed by Caden C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.