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