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



Hook



Rebel

Rebel

Rebel