About the song
**Leader of the Pack – A Timeless Teen Tragedy**
Released in 1964, the Shangri-Las’ “Leader of the Pack” is a classic tale of teenage romance, tragedy, and the enduring power of love. This iconic song, with its catchy melody and dramatic lyrics, has resonated with audiences for decades, capturing the essence of youthful rebellion, heartbreak, and the search for meaning in life.
The song begins with a haunting instrumental introduction, setting the stage for a narrative filled with youthful angst and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young couple, deeply in love, defying societal expectations and embracing their forbidden romance. The “leader of the pack” is a metaphor for the rebellious spirit of youth, a figure who dares to challenge the status quo and pursue his heart’s desires.
As the story unfolds, a tragic accident shatters the couple’s dreams of a future together. The leader of the pack is killed in a motorcycle crash, leaving his beloved heartbroken and devastated. The song’s lyrics poignantly capture the raw emotions of grief, loss, and the enduring power of love. The singer’s voice, filled with both sorrow and defiance, conveys the intensity of her feelings and the pain of losing her loved one.
“Leader of the Pack” is more than just a catchy pop song; it is a timeless exploration of teenage angst, love, and loss. The Shangri-Las’ performance is both powerful and emotive, capturing the essence of youthful rebellion and the enduring nature of human connection. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and the timeless appeal of its narrative.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Shangri-Las or discovering their music for the first time, “Leader of the Pack” is a must-listen. Its haunting melody, dramatic lyrics, and powerful performance make it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
“Is she really going out with him?
“Well, there she is, let’s ask her”
“Betty, is that Jimmy’s ring you’re wearing?”
“Mmm-hmm”
“Gee, it must be great riding with him”
“Is he picking you up after school today?”
“Mmm-mmm”
“By the way, where did you meet him?”
I met him at the candy store
He turned around and smiled at me
You get the picture
“Yes, we see”
That’s when I fell for the leader of the pack
My folks were always putting him down (down, down)
They said he came from the wrong side of town
(What you mean when you say that he came from the wrong side of town?)
They told me he was bad, but I knew he was sad
That’s why I fell for the leader of the pack
One day, my dad said, “find someone new”
I had to tell my Jimmy, “we’re through”
(What you mean when you say that you better go find somebody new?)
He stood there and asked me why, but all I could do was cry
I’m sorry I hurt you, the leader of the pack
He sort of smiled, then kissed me goodbye
The tears were beginning to show
As he drove away on that rainy night
I begged him to go slow, whether he heard
I’ll never know (know, know, know, know, know, know, know)
Look out, look out, look out
I felt so helpless, what could I do?
Remembering all the things we’d been through
In school, they all stop and stare
I can’t hide the tears, but I don’t care
I’ll never forget him, the leader of the pack
Ooh-ooh-ooh (gone, gone-gone-gone-gone-gone)
The leader of the pack, now he’s gone (gone, gone-gone-gone-gone-gone)
The leader of the pack, now he’s gone (gone, gone-gone-gone-gone-gone)
the leader of the pack, now he’s gone (gone, gone-gone-gone-gone-gone)