Last night, a little dancer a-came dancin’ to my door
Last night, a little angel came pumpin’ on my floor
She said, “A-come, baby, you got a license for love
And if it expires, pray help from above”
Because
In the midnight hour, she cried more, more, more
With a rebel yell, she cried more, more, more, wow
In the midnight hour, babe, more, more, more
With a rebel yell, more, more, more
More, more, more
She don’t like slavery, she won’t sit and beg
But when I’m tired and lonely, she sees me to bed
A-what set you free and brought you to me, babe?
What set you free? I need you here by me
Because
In the midnight hour, she cried more, more, more
With a rebel yell, she cried more, more, more, wow
In the midnight hour, babe, more, more, more
With a rebel yell, more, more, more
A-he lives in a-his own heaven
Collects it to go from the 7-Eleven
Well, he’s out all night to collect a fare
A-just so long, just so long it don’t mess up his hair
Whoa, ah
I walked the world for you, babe
A thousand miles with you
I dried your tears of pain, babe
A million times for you
I’d sell my soul for you, babe
For money to burn for you
I’d give you all and have none, babe
Just to, just to, just to, a-just to, to have you here by me
Because
In the midnight hour, she cried more, more, more
With a rebel yell, she cried more, more, more, wow
In the midnight hour, babe, more, more, more
With a rebel yell, she cried more, more, more
More, more, more
Ooh yeah, little baby
She want more
More, more, more, more, more
Ooh yeah, little angel
She want more
More, more, more, more, more
Unpacking the Spirit of Rebellion
“Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol is a charged anthem that captures the restless energy and passion of youth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a wild, free-spirited love affair, fueled by longing and the urge to break away from convention. Idol’s protagonist encounters a mesmerizing woman whose desire for “more, more, more” symbolizes a craving for freedom, excitement, and authentic connection. The recurring motif of the “midnight hour” hints at secret rendezvous and the allure of the night, while the phrase “rebel yell” becomes a rallying cry for defiance and independence. Beneath the song’s infectious chorus and energetic tempo lies a narrative about seeking liberation—both emotional and physical—and finding someone who shares that hunger for life without restraint.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Billy Idol, Steve Stevens
- Release Year: 1983
- Label: Chrysalis Records