Rebel Yell

Album: Rebel Yell (1983)
Charted: 6 46
Play Video
  • Lyrics currently unavailable Writer/s: Billy Idol, Steve Stevens
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Comments: 17

  • I Don't Know from I Don't CareThe song is obviously about a lady wanting lots of sex, and she's demanding with a rebel yell "more more more". She can't get enough of the guy.
  • Emma F from Leeds Uk I'm not sure why, but I guess I just have one of those (sexually attracted to gay men, especially rent boys) minds. but to me this song screams, or yells to me male teen rent boy. Who sells sex to buy luxury's.

    He lives in his own heaven

    (meaning sex)

    Collects it to go from the seven eleven

    (meaning condoms)

    Well, he's out all night to collect a fare

    (meaning selling his body)

    Just as long, just as long it don't mess up his hair

    (meaning it doesn't matter what he has to do for money as long as it doesn't mess up his hair)
  • Peter from West Palm Beach, FlI love this song so much because it became real for me. A one night stand turned into a seven year relationship, And she wanted more,more,more.
  • Crazyc63312 from Pittsburgh, Pa'Rebel Yell' is playable on the video game, Guitar Hero: World Tour.
  • Eugene from Minneapolis, MnThis was a top 40 hit in the US. It made Rick Dees Top 40reaching #29 on March 24, 1984. He used the Cashbox charts at the time. I used to rush to the dancefloor each time this record would come on!
  • Craig from Newport Beach, CaThe social function mentioned above where Billy Idol got the idea for the this song was actually Mick Jagger's birthday party.
  • Charlie from Las Vegas, NvOverall this song rocks. And I'll have to agree with Chris in Quebec, I think CoB's cover version is even better than the original.

    p.s. too bad this website doesnt have a "songs that should've made the soundtracks for cult movies of the same era as the song itself" category. this song would have gone great on the soundtrack for "The Lost Boys." for some reason the overall melody makes me think of the scenes where the teen vamps are racing around town on their motorcycles at, like, a hundred MPH. hell thats the first image that comes to mind when CoB's cover version starts playing on my Zune.
  • Cyberpope from Richmond, CanadaIdol's truly iconic for the non-hair band '80s!
  • Valerie from Eureka, CaBilly Idol's music is all great! Rebel Yell has always been a favorite of mine...oh and Catch My Fall..and oh everything else he recorded...I wonder what he's doing today?
  • Cynthia from Scranton, Pathis song is so hot!!!
  • Kye from Knightstown, InDrowning Pook also covered this song on their latest album
  • Christopher from Chicoutimi, QcThis song is cool, how come nobody stated that Children of Bodom covered this song? Their cover rocks! And I listen to it oftenly.
  • Susan from Toronto, CanadaThe Rolling Stones' predilection for "Rebel Yell" booze is evident in a recording I have of a Memphis Stones concert from the 1970's, where Mick Jagger mentions "Rebel Yell Southern Sour Mash" to the Southern audience, and then asks them, "Can you all do the rebel yell real good?"
  • Erik from Brownwood , Txyeah playing it at a prom is kinda ironical hahah (its a real word google it!!!) but its got a great tune
  • Matt from New York, NyThis song being played at a prom is just like "White Wedding" being played at a wedding. Listen to the lyrics! Actually, on second thought, maybe it is perfect for a prom...
  • Blake from Manchester, TnProms? Good lord. It's one of my favorite Idol tunes, surpassed only by White Wedding.
  • Rusty from Raleigh, NcThis is a rockin' song. They play this in bars, nightclubs, partys, and proms.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Peter Lord

Peter LordSongwriter Interviews

You may not recognize his name, but you will certainly recognize Peter Lord's songs. He wrote the bevy of hits from Paula Abdul's second album, Spellbound.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.