About the song
“He’s a Rebel,” penned by Gene Pitney and immortalized through the production genius of Phil Spector, stands as a hallmark of 1960s pop music. Originally intended for the Shirelles but declined by them, the song found its way to Vikki Carr and ultimately to the girl group the Blossoms, whose recording was released under the Crystals’ name. This strategic move by Spector paid off handsomely when the song soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1962, marking Spector’s second chart-topper after his earlier hit “To Know Him Is to Love Him.”
The song’s narrative centers around a girl passionately in love with a rebel who defies societal norms. Despite his unconventional nature, she defends his character, professing his sweetness and fidelity. The track features a memorable saxophone solo by Steve Douglas and a distinctive piano riff contributed by Al DeLory, elements that underscore its infectious melody and energetic rhythm.
“He’s a Rebel” not only achieved commercial success but also garnered critical acclaim over the years. It was honored with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, a testament to its enduring popularity and influence in the realm of pop music. Rolling Stone ranked it at No. 263 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, highlighting its cultural significance and timeless appeal.
The song’s production history reflects Spector’s innovative approach. Due to logistical reasons—The Crystals were touring on the East Coast at the time—Spector had the Blossoms, a Los Angeles-based group, record the track with the understanding that it would still be credited to The Crystals. This decision led to some initial surprise among The Crystals when they heard their “new song” on the radio, solidifying its association with their name.
Beyond its musical impact, “He’s a Rebel” has left a mark on popular culture, appearing in films like the 2018 movie “Bad Times at the El Royale,” where it was fictionalized in a scene depicting its recording. The character Darleen Sweet in the film is based on Darlene Love, who originally provided the lead vocals for the Blossoms’ version of the song.
With its rich instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, “He’s a Rebel” continues to resonate as a quintessential piece of 1960s music history, celebrated for its bold defiance of norms and its timeless portrayal of youthful passion and rebellion.
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Lyrics
See the way he walks down the street
Watch the way he shuffles his feet
My, he holds his head up high
When he goes walking by, he’s my guy
When he holds my hand, I’m so proud
‘Cause he’s not just one of the crowd
My baby’s always the one to try the things they’ve never done
And just because of that, they say
“He’s a rebel and he’ll never ever be any good
He’s a rebel ’cause he never ever does what he should”
But just because he doesn’t do what everybody else does
That’s no reason why I can’t give him all my love
He’s always good to me, always treats me tenderly
‘Cause he’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no, to me
If they don’t like him that way
They won’t like me after today
I’ll be standing right by his side when they say
“He’s a rebel and he’ll never ever be any good
He’s a rebel ’cause he never ever does what he should”
Just because he doesn’t do what everybody else does
That’s no reason why we can’t share our love
He’s always good to me, good to him, I try to be
‘Cause he’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no, to me
Oh, he’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no,
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no
He’s not a rebel, oh, no, no, no