A Rebel
The Rough and The Velvet Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Her name was Ann Bonny
She made history
She was the famous pirate
Ill-famed for tragedy

Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies take over entering you
Another lady in that age
Who was called Mary Reed
She wore man's dress
And fought for what she needed yeah

Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies take over and entering you

They decided to live (rebel ladies) totally free
Out of women's traditional life
They decided to be (rebel ladies) mutinous
Speeding up the fight
(Rebel ladies)

There was little woman
With a slit of an eye
Evil was her name
Blood-thirsty her game

Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies take over entering you

They decided to live (rebel ladies) totally free
Out of women's traditional life
They decided to be (rebel ladies) mutinous
Speeding up the fight
(Rebel ladies)

Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies breaking the rule

Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Rebel ladies breaking the rule

They decided to live (rebel ladies) totally free
Out of women's traditional life
They decided to be (rebel ladies) mutinous
Speeding up the fight
(Rebel ladies)

They decided to live (rebel ladies) totally free
Out of women's traditional life
They decided to be (rebel ladies) mutinous
Like a bottle of dynamite
(Rebel ladies)

They decided to live (rebel ladies) totally free




Out of women's traditional life
They decided to be (rebel ladies) mutinous

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Rough and The Velvet's song "A Rebel" tell the stories of historical women who defied societal norms and expectations to live on their terms. The song highlights the lives of women like Ann Bonny, a famous pirate known for her tragic reputation, and Mary Reed, who dressed as a man and fought for what she believed in. These rebel ladies were fearless in breaking the rules and challenging traditional gender roles.


The chorus emphasizes the rebellious spirit of these women, as they take control and boldly enter new spaces that were typically reserved for men. The repeated refrain of "Rebel ladies breaking the rule" underscores their defiance and determination to carve out their own paths.


The lyrics also touch upon the theme of freedom, with the rebel ladies choosing to live outside of the constraints of traditional women's roles. They embrace their mutinous nature, speeding up the fight for equality and rights. These women were like dynamite, ready to challenge the status quo and make their mark on history.


Overall, the song celebrates the courage and resilience of these rebel women who refused to be confined by societal expectations. Through their stories, the lyrics inspire listeners to question norms, fight for their beliefs, and embrace their own rebellious spirits. The rebellious energy of the song resonates as a call to action for anyone facing adversity or seeking to break free from limitations.


Line by Line Meaning

Her name was Ann Bonny
Ann Bonny was a notable figure in history


She made history
Her actions left a lasting impact


She was the famous pirate
Well-known for her piracy


Ill-famed for tragedy
Known for being involved in unfortunate events


Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Women who defy societal norms


Rebel ladies take over entering you
Asserting themselves in unexpected ways


Another lady in that age
Another woman from that time period


Who was called Mary Reed
Known by the name Mary Reed


She wore man's dress
Dressed in men's clothing


And fought for what she needed yeah
Standing up for herself and her beliefs


They decided to live (rebel ladies) totally free
Choosing to live without constraints


Out of women's traditional life
Breaking away from societal expectations for women


They decided to be (rebel ladies) mutinous
Rebelling against the norm


Speeding up the fight
Bringing urgency to the cause


There was little woman
A small woman


With a slit of an eye
Having a piercing gaze


Evil was her name
Known for being ruthless


Blood-thirsty her game
Seeking violence and conflict


Rebel ladies breaking the rule
Continuing to challenge societal norms


Rebel ladies take over entering you
Asserting their presence


Like a bottle of dynamite
Full of explosive potential




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jutta Weinhold, Gunnar Heyse, Wolfgang Mirche, Claus Reinholdt, Roger Boehlke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions