Renegade

Styx

Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law
Law man has put an end to my running and I'm so far from my home
Oh Mama I can hear you a cryin', you're so scared and all alone
Hangman is comin' down from the gallows and I don't have very long

The jig is up, the news is out
They finally found me
The renegade who had it made
Retrieved for a bounty
Never more to go astray
This'll be the end today
Of the wanted man

Oh Mama, I've been years on the lam and had a high price on my head
Lawman said 'Get him dead or alive' and it's for sure he'll see me dead
Dear Mama I can hear you cryin', you're so scared and all alone
Hangman is comin' down from the gallows and I don't have very long

The jig is up, the news is out
They finally found me
The renegade who had it made
Retrieved for a bounty
Never more to go astray
The judge'll have revenge today
On the wanted man

Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law
Hangman is comin' down from the gallows and I don't have very long

The jig is up, the news is out
They finally found me
The renegade who had it made
Retrieved for a bounty
Never more to go astray
This'll be the end today
Of the wanted man
Wanted Man
And i no ho oh oh no no
Hey hey


Lyrics submitted by kevin, edited by G1endon, Mellow_Harsher

Renegade song meanings
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36 Comments

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  • +3
    General Comment
    This song was written in 1978, by Tommy Shaw. He has stated in interviews that was a song that just came to him one day, fully formed. Originally he wrote it on piano, and it was very different than how it came to be recorded. The a capella opening was originally three-part harmony, and the song itself was a lot slower, more dirge-like. James "JY" Young originally hated the song. However, as the band re-worked it, he came to love it so much that he asked Tommy if he could play the lead guitar solo. As far as troubles with the law, Tommy has stated that he never has had any issues with the law; the song just came to him as fictional storytelling. Since 2002, "Renegade" has been the rallying anthem of the Pittsburg Steelers.
    cassiemay10on March 05, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    anyone know if this song has any literal personal meaning to any of the bandmembers, or what the inspiration behind the song is?
    ramtharon March 04, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    this song reminds me of david
    twisteron June 19, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    this song reminds me of groovin in the car
    LiveOnCokeon May 31, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I love this song when I first started listening to 70's music this was one of the first songs that I really liked the other one was "Cold as Ice" Forieginer
    Olexon June 11, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I always thought it was noose and not news
    Thunderbolton June 23, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    you rednecks are all wrong, its about runnin' from the law
    widowmaker6662000on October 24, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    my favorite styx song next to mr roboto
    clevelandsteameron December 02, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    STYX fucking rocks.
    irish_deftone6on December 22, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Drugs are the inspiration behind every Styx song. hit a few joints with them and get 'em high. you'll see... they start playing guitar like crazy. Besides that... I like the song. I can't believe- wait... yes I can. All the way back in 04. Chris Daughtry did an awesome cover of this song on American Idol.
    Buggiedudeon June 08, 2006   Link

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