About the song
“Rebel-Rouser,” or “Rebel Rouser,” is an iconic instrumental piece by American rock ‘n’ roll guitarist Duane Eddy and songwriter-producer Lee Hazlewood, released in 1958. This track not only marked a significant breakthrough for Eddy but also became one of his most enduring and beloved compositions.
Initially released as a single alongside another Hazlewood collaboration titled “Stalkin’,” “Rebel-Rouser” was produced by Lee Hazlewood and Lester Sill. Recorded under the title “Rabble Rouser” at Audio Recorders Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, the song’s melody loosely draws from the traditional tune “When the Saints Go Marching In,” with additional inspiration from the folk song “Who’s Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet,” as interpreted by Tennessee Ernie Ford. The track was later refined at Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles, where Hazlewood added Gil Bernal’s saxophone, background vocals, and rhythmic clapping by the Doo-Wop group The Sharps (later known as The Rivingtons).
Upon its release, “Rebel-Rouser” quickly climbed the charts, becoming Duane Eddy’s first Top-10 hit in the United States. It was prominently featured on his debut album, “Have ‘Twangy’ Guitar—Will Travel,” and also appeared on the EP “Rebel Rouser” in Canada and the UK. Subsequently, it was included on the album “$1,000,000 Worth of Twang” in 1960, showcasing Eddy’s distinct “twangy” guitar style that defined his early career.
Musically, “Rebel-Rouser” is set in a 4/4 time signature, opening with Eddy’s signature guitar solo played on his Gretsch 6120 with characteristic “twang.” The composition features dynamic shifts, introducing drums with cymbals and later incorporating the saxophone, which builds alongside supportive vocal chants in the latter part of the track. Clocking in at just 2:02 minutes, the song concludes with a gradual fadeout.
Beyond its initial success, “Rebel-Rouser” has endured as one of Duane Eddy’s most recognizable tracks, frequently performed live and included in various compilations spanning rock ‘n’ roll and country music genres. Its cultural impact extends to its inclusion in numerous soundtracks, from classic films like “Mandolins and Moonlight” (1959) to modern hits like “Far Cry 5” and “Forrest Gump” (1994). This enduring popularity solidifies “Rebel-Rouser” as not just a hit single but a timeless piece of musical history that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
Alisha’s Attic
Japanese Dream
He’s A Rebel
(the crystals)
See the way he walks down the street
Watch the way he shuffles his feet
How he holds his head up high
When he goes walking by
He’s my guy
If he holds my hand, i’m so proud
¡®cause he’s not just one of the crowd
I think he’s always the one to try
The things i’ve never done
And just because of that
They will say, hey
He’s a rebel and he’ll never ever be any good
He’s a rebel ¡®cause he never ever does
What he should
And just because he doesn’t do what
Everybody else does
That’s no reason why
I can’t give him all my love
He is always good to me
Always treats me tenderly
He’s not a rebel no, no, no
He’s not a rebel no, no, no to me
If they don’t like him that way
They won’t like me after today
I’ll be standing by his side
When they say
(repeat 1)
And just because he doesn’t do
What everybody else does
That’s no reason why
We can’t share a love
(repeat 2)
He’s not a rebel, no, no, no