Written by kayo, daryl simmons, l.a. reid, babyface, jermaine jackson (1991)
Performed by jermaine jackson
Took a lot of balls to do it
I took a lot of heat from it
I had to watch my back, no matter where I was at
Everybody's gunnin' for me
Family did not approve it
I broke a lot of rules to do it
Said they seen me change
I stuck to my decisions
On my own and on a mission
You won't forget my name
'cause I'm a rebel with a cause
And I live my life backed up against the wall
Don't wanna live my life how it's supposed to be
I gotta live my life 'cause it's up to me
Rebel with a cause
Rebel
Rebel
The jackson 5 is history (in the books I mean)
Did a lot of things for me
Got me where I'm at
Gotta tip my hat, but I ain't goin' out like that
There was a time that I could never let go
There was a day when I could have no control
There was a place I'd never been
Now with a cause, I've got to win
I gotta prove it, you better move it
Or I might just run you down
Hook
Family did not approve it
I broke a lot of rules to do it
Said they seen me change
I stuck to my decisions
On my own and on a mission
You won't forget my name
You can call yo' police
Cause I'm goin' bring on the noise
I'm a rebel with a cause
With a pocket full of balls
And you don't leave no choice
Hook
Rebel with a cause
Rebel
You can call yo' police
Rebel
Cause I'm goin' bring on the noise
Rebel
You can jump out your seat
Rebel
Rockin' with me and the boys