About the song
The Crystals’ “He’s a Rebel” is an iconic song from the early 1960s that embodies the spirit of rebellion and defiance within the context of love and relationships. Released in 1962 as a single, the song was written by Gene Pitney and produced by Phil Spector, making it a standout hit in the girl group genre.
“He’s a Rebel” was featured on The Crystals’ album *He’s a Rebel*, which capitalized on the success of the single. The song quickly rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing its immense popularity and impact on the music scene of the time. Its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and empowering lyrics resonated with audiences, particularly young women who were drawn to its rebellious narrative.
Phil Spector’s production on “He’s a Rebel” is notable for its dynamic arrangement and the distinctive “Wall of Sound” technique, which involved layering multiple instruments and vocal tracks to create a rich, orchestral sound. This approach not only enhanced the song’s dramatic effect but also set a new standard for pop music production.
Lead vocalist Darlene Love’s impassioned delivery brought the song’s protagonist to life, capturing the essence of a young woman passionately defending her love interest despite societal expectations. The Crystals’ harmonious backing vocals further added to the song’s emotional depth and intensity.
“He’s a Rebel” has remained a classic in the realm of 1960s pop music, praised for its infectious energy and timeless appeal. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to be featured in various forms of media, securing its place in popular culture.
In summary, The Crystals’ “He’s a Rebel” is a testament to the songwriting talent of Gene Pitney, the production genius of Phil Spector, and the vocal prowess of The Crystals. Its chart-topping success and enduring legacy underscore its significance in the evolution of pop music, making it a cherished piece of music history that continues to captivate listeners today.
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