Run away-ay with me
Lost souls in revelry (hey)
Running wild and running free
Two kids, you and me (hey)

And I say, hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Hey hey hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Renegades, renegades

Long live the pioneers
Rebels and mutineers (hey)
Go forth and have no fear
Come close and lend an ear (hey)

And I say, hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Hey hey hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Renegades, renegades

All hail the underdogs
All hail the new kids
All hail the outlaws (hey)
Spielbergs and Kubricks

It's our time to make a move
It's our time to make amends
It's our time to break the rules (hey)
Let's begin

And I say, hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Hey hey hey, hey hey hey
Living like we're renegades
Renegades, renegades


Lyrics submitted by sourwolf, edited by cursive57, cole115463

Renegades Lyrics as written by Alexander Junior Grant Adam Levin

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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Renegades song meanings
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  • +6
    Song Meaning

    The song starts with a command. The speaker is recruiting a fellow person who is like themselves--who doesn't fit the mold of society, likely--to reject their inhibitions and be strong together. "Reverie" is actually "in revelry," which means to become intoxicated. This could be literal. However, I like to think that because these are deep lyrics, it means that their souls are happy because they are doing what they've wanted. The speaker wants to be himself, thus the comparison to children. This is not to be confused with individualism or rebellion.

    A renegade is someone who has broken the mold from society and groups. This song is basically an anti-fascist or anti-socialist anthem. We are expected to have certain personalities or tastes or we are judged. The speaker does want to be an individual, but instead of supporting individualism, they appear to be supporting everyone being their own individual--together. This is why the song is a plural.

    The speaker then gives examples and builds up the people who want to be themselves. It's obvious that the most successful people in the world are underdogs that have done the right thing and then become true to themselves, and end up making a change. The "new kids" is anyone who has taken to this new perspective and goes the extra mile quickly. Outlaws aren't to be confused with doing things just because you can, but a renegade (or fugitive) who has risen up against the adversaries. I don't like the use of outlaw because the song seems to be less about revolution and more about breaking out.

    After giving real examples to support his facts, the speaker is telling us that it is time for us to do what he has promised to do. It is time to fix the mold society has put us into by leading through example. It's time to break the rules--but not the ones you're thinking.

    This song is beautiful because it develops an essential point in today's world without making it seem like rebellion by inserting violence, intoxication, or perverse love like many other songs. It also has awesome acoustics. :) Is that a drum making that wind/thunder noise?

    cursive57on November 13, 2015   Link

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