About the song
## He’s a Rebel – The Crystals (1962)
**A Timeless Tale of Teenage Rebellion**
The year was 1962, a time when teenagers were beginning to assert their independence, challenging societal norms, and finding their own voices. Amidst this cultural upheaval, a group of young women from Brooklyn, New York, known as The Crystals, emerged with a song that would capture the spirit of the era and resonate with generations to come: “He’s a Rebel.”
Produced by the legendary Phil Spector, “He’s a Rebel” is a classic example of early 1960s girl group pop. The song’s infectious melody, coupled with the harmonies of The Crystals, creates a sound that is both nostalgic and timeless. The lyrics, written by Spector and Ellie Greenwich, paint a picture of a rebellious young man who defies expectations and lives life on his own terms.
At its core, “He’s a Rebel” is a song about teenage angst and the desire to break free from societal constraints. The protagonist, a rebellious figure who drives a fast car and doesn’t follow the rules, becomes a symbol of freedom and individuality for the teenage girls who listen to the song. The Crystals’ harmonies and energetic performance further amplify the song’s rebellious spirit.
The song’s popularity was fueled in part by its distinctive production. Spector’s “Wall of Sound” technique, characterized by its layered instrumentation and dense arrangement, gave “He’s a Rebel” a powerful and dramatic sound. The song’s success also benefited from its timely release, coinciding with the rise of the British Invasion and the growing popularity of rock and roll music.
“He’s a Rebel” continues to be a beloved classic, its enduring appeal a testament to its timeless themes and infectious energy. The song’s legacy extends beyond its original release, inspiring countless artists and influencing the development of popular music. Whether you’re a fan of girl group pop, early 1960s music, or simply appreciate a well-crafted song, “He’s a Rebel” is a must-listen.
Video
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