[Verse 1]
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
'Cause everybody's gunnin' for me
[Pre-Chorus]
Family did not approve it
I broke a lot of rules to do this
Said they seen me change
I stuck to my decisions
On my own and on a mission
You won't forget my name
[Chorus]
'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
[Verse 2]
The Jackson 5 is history (In the books I mean)
Did a lot of things for me
Got me where I'm at, I gotta tip my hat
But I ain't goin' out like that
[Pre-Chorus]
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
[Chorus]
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
[Post-Chorus]
Family did not approve it
I broke a lot of rules to do this
Said they seen me change
I stuck to my decisions
On my own and on a mission
You won't forget my name
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
You can call your police
'Cause I'm gon' bring on the noise
I'm a rebel with a cause with a pocket full of balls
And you don't leave me no choice
[Chorus]
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
[Post-Chorus]
(Rebel) You can call your police
(Rebel) 'Cause I'm gon' bring on the noise
(Rebel) You can jump out your seat
(Rebel) Rockin' with me and the boys
[Chorus]
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
[Outro]
'Cause I'm a (Rebel) You can call your police
(Rebel) I'm gon' bring on the noise
(Rebel) You can stand on your seat, yeah
(Rebel) Rockin' with me and the boys
(Rebel)