Rebel
daltrey roger Lyrics
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And everything looked the same
The shops and the schools and the factories were there
But somehow the faces had changed
So I went for a walk in the high streets
Took my coat off and rolled up my sleeves
I thought of my father and his father before him
And how I was the first one to leave
Well I didn't come here for forgiveness
There isn't a lot I can say
'cause I remember the reasons I first ran away
I'm a rebel
Just a rebel
Got my back to the wall
Gonna fight 'til I fall
I'm a rebel
When it comes time for leavin'
Don't stand in my way
Don't ever look back - don't surrender
The old men say they've seen it before
Oh they drink their beer and they talk about friends
Who didn't come back from the war
Don't say I'm too young to remember
Don't tell me what's wrong or what's right
Just give me a chance to go out there and fight
I'm a rebel
Just a rebel
Got my back to the wall
Gonna fight 'til I fall
I'm a rebel
When it comes time for leavin'
Don't stand in my way
There's nothing left for me here
Gonna run, run away
I'm a rebel
Just a rebel
Got my back to the wall
Gonna fight 'til I fall
I'm a rebel
Just a rebel
Just a rebel
I'm a rebel
The lyrics of Roger Daltrey's song "Rebel" depict a person who returns to their old town after an absence and notices that while the physical surroundings remain the same, the people have changed. The singer takes a walk through the high streets, reflecting on their own family history and the fact that they were the first to leave. The lyrics convey a sense of being detached from the familiar, highlighting the singer's rebellious nature and their determination to fight against any obstacles they may face.
The refrain of "I'm a rebel, just a rebel" emphasizes their identity as someone who stands apart from the crowd, with their back against the wall. The lyrics express the singer's refusal to conform or seek forgiveness, as they remember the reasons that drove them to initially run away. They reject the notion of looking back or surrendering, defying the advice of the old men who have witnessed similar situations before.
The song captures the singer's desire for independence and the opportunity to forge their own path, free from judgment or interference. They reject being told what is wrong or right, and instead, they ask for a chance to prove themselves by fighting for their beliefs.
Overall, "Rebel" explores themes of self-assertion, rebellion, and the desire for authenticity. It celebrates the courage to stand up for oneself and one's values, even in the face of societal expectations or limitations.
Line by Line Meaning
I made my way back to the old town
I returned to the place where I grew up
And everything looked the same
The physical surroundings hadn't changed
The shops and the schools and the factories were there
All the familiar places and institutions still existed
But somehow the faces had changed
The people had transformed or moved on
So I went for a walk in the high streets
I strolled around the main streets
Took my coat off and rolled up my sleeves
I prepared myself for action and hard work
I thought of my father and his father before him
I reflected on my family heritage
And how I was the first one to leave
I was the initial person to venture away
Well I didn't come here for forgiveness
I didn't return seeking absolution
There isn't a lot I can say
There are few words I can offer
'cause I remember the reasons I first ran away
Because I still recall the motives behind my initial departure
I'm a rebel
I am a non-conformist
Just a rebel
Simply someone who defies expectations
Got my back to the wall
Feeling trapped or cornered
Gonna fight 'til I fall
I will battle until I am defeated
When it comes time for leavin'
When the moment arrives to depart
Don't stand in my way
Please don't obstruct or stop me
Don't ever look back - don't surrender
Never dwell on the past and never give up
The old men say they've seen it before
Elderly individuals claim to have witnessed similar situations
Oh they drink their beer and they talk about friends
They consume alcohol and converse about friends
Who didn't come back from the war
Who perished during the war and never returned
Don't say I'm too young to remember
Don't claim that I am unable to recall due to my youth
Don't tell me what's wrong or what's right
Don't instruct me on what is morally correct or incorrect
Just give me a chance to go out there and fight
Just afford me the opportunity to go and battle
There's nothing left for me here
There is no longer anything that holds me in this place
Gonna run, run away
I will flee and escape from this situation
Just a rebel
Simply an individual who rebels against the norm
Just a rebel
Merely someone who defies expectations
I'm a rebel
I am a non-conformist
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRYAN ADAMS, JAMES DOUGLAS VALLANCE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@karlmoles6530
Bryan Adams version is just as good. Love both.
@karlmoles6530
Bou Salem Just look up "Bryan Adams Rebel"
@1964dangerous
The whole album Underca Raging Moon is brilliant
@ThePineryGuy
Oh My , I have The Album , AND cd LOL thanks for 1 fantastic post , GREAT SONG
@DCHurlford1
I'd never heard this version before. I have the BA one on his 1987 album Into The Fire.
@chrissamuel4044
David Cook 1985
@margaretgordy3760
After the Fire is the name of the album
@margaretgordy3760
Sorry my error After the Fire is the radio hit ...which Pete Townshend wrote about Africa Apartide the name of the album is " Under a Raging Moon" it has the great tribute to Keith Moon who amazingly has been gone 40 yrs since 9/7/78...
Brian and Roger are friends and worked together a lot in the 80's.
So I had a senior moment sorry my error I do know Roger's albums very well ...lifelong fan me😊
@theevildrummingsithlord1492
The Bryan Adams version is better.
But I'm amazed at the unspoken partnership between BA and Roger Daltrey.
@rupinderbrar01
All I'm gonna say is that.....this is very different to the Bryan Adam's version......