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Music Video

Rebel Without A Pause Lyrics - Public Enemy


Soundtrack: One Day (Netflix)

Rebel Without A Pause Lyrics

Rebel Without A Pause Song Lyrics


[Intro: Rev. Jesse Jackson]
"Brothers and sisters! Brothers and sisters, I don't know what this world is coming to!"

[Verse 1: Chuck D]
Yes, the rhythm, the rebel
Without a pause, I'm lowering my level
The hard rhymer -- where you never been, I'm in
You want stylin'? You know it's time again
D, the enemy, tellin' you to hear it
They praised the music, this time they play the lyrics
Some say no to the album, The Show
Bum Rush, the sound -- I made a year ago
I guess you know, you guess I'm just a radical
Not on sabbatical, yes, to make it critical
The only party your body should be partyin' to
Panther power on the hour from the rebel to you

[Ad-lib 1: Flavor Flav]
Ay yo, Chuck, man, I don't understand this, man!
Yo, you got to slow down, man, you losin' them!

[Verse 2: Chuck D]
Radio—suckers never play me
On the mix, they just okay me
Now, known and grown, when they're clocking my zone, it's known
Snaking and taking everything that a brother owns
Hard — my calling card
Recorded and ordered, supporter of Chesimard
Loud and proud, kicking live next, poet supreme
Loop a troop, bazooka, the scheme
(Flavor) A rebel in his own mind
Supporter of my rhyme
Designed to scatter a line of suckers who claim I do crime
They on my time ticket

[Ad-lib 2: Flavor Flav]
Ay yo, Chuck, they think we takin' shorts!
Show 'em this is cold medina, man!
Come on, kick it!

[Chorus]
Terminator X, Terminator X
Terminator X, Terminator

[Ad-lib 3: Flavor Flav]
Yo, Chuck, you gettin' 'em nervous
They can't handle this, they gonna break down!

[Verse 3: Chuck D + Flavor Flav]
From a rebel, it's final on black vinyl
Soul, rock and roll coming like a rhino
Tables turn, suckers burn to learn
They can't disable the power of my label
Def Jam, tells you who I am
The enemy's public, they really give a damn
Strong Island, where I got 'em whylin'
That's the reason they're claiming that I'm violent
Never silent, no dope, getting dumb — nope
Claiming where we get our rhythm from
Number one, we hit ya, and we give ya some
No gun, and still never on the run
You wanna be an S1 -- Griff will tell you when
And then you'll come again, you'll know what time it is
Impeach the president, pulling out my ray gun
Zap the next one, I could be your Shogun
(Suckers) don't last a minute
Soft and smooth, I ain't with it
(Hardcore) raw bone like a razor
I'm like a laser, I just won't graze ya
Old enough to raise ya, so this'll faze ya
Get it right, boy, maybe I will praise ya
Playing the role, I got soul too
Voice my opinion with volume
(Smooth) Not what I am
(Rough) 'Cause I'm a man
No matter what the name, we're all the same
Pieces in one big chess game
(Yeah!) The voice of power
Is in the house — go take a shower, boy
P.E. a group, a crew — not singular
We wear black Wranglers
We're rap stranglers, you can't angle us
I know you're listening
I caught you p**sin' your pants
You're scared of dissing us
The crowd is missing us
We're on a mission y'all
[Ad-lib 4: Flavor Flav]
Yo Chuck, yo! Yeah, man!
Yo, you got 'em runnin' scared!

[Chorus]
Terminator X, Terminator X
Terminator X, Terminator

[Verse 4]
Attitude, when I'm on fire
Juice on the loose, electric wire
Simple and plain, give me the lane
I'll throw it down your throat like Barkley
You see my car keys, you'll never get these
They belong to the Nine-Eight posse
You want some more, son? You wanna get some?
Bum-rush the door of the store — pick up the album
You know the rhythm, the rhyme plus the beat is designed
So I can enter your mind, boys!
Bring the noise — my time
Step aside for the flex, Terminator X

[Ad-lib 5: Flavor Flav]
Yeah, that's right
This jam is rated cold medina, boy
That's right, cold medina, that's right
We showin' up in E-F-F-E-C-T, also known as effect
You understand what I'm sayin'?
[Outro]
Yeah! Yeah, boy!
Bring that beat back
Bring that beat back one more time, Chuck
Y'all wanna hear that beat, right?
Bring that beat back



February, 16th 2024
Background and Context
"Rebel Without A Pause" by Public Enemy, featured on the "One Day (Netflix)" soundtravk, is a seminal track from their 1988 album "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back." The song is a powerful expression of the group's commitment to social and political commentary, blending aggressive beats with incisive lyrics. Public Enemy, led by Chuck D and Flavor Flav, became iconic for their ability to address issues of racial injustice, inequality, and the power dynamics within the music industry and society at large. This track, with its hard-hitting sound and assertive message, exemplifies the band's influential role in the development of politically conscious hip-hop.

Main Message and Theme
"Rebel Without A Pause" is a declaration of defiance against the status quo, adserting Public Enemy's refusal to be silenced or compromised. The song critiques the commercialization of the music industry, systemic racism, and the marginalization of Black voices. Through its title and lyrics, it positions Public Enemy as relentless advocates for change, unafraid to challenge authority and societal norms. The refrain "Terminator X" pays homage to the group's DJ, emphasizing the importance of music and sound as tools for resistance and empowerment.

Emotion and Style
The track is characterized by its urgent tempo, dense production, and the dynamic interplay between Chuck D's authoritative delivery and Flavor Flav's energetic ad-libs. The use of the siren sample throughout the song adds to its sense of alarm and call to action, while the complex rhythm patterns underscore the intensity of the message. The style merges elements of rap, funk, and noise, creating a sound that is both confrontational and compelling.

Interpretation and Analysis
The opening lines set the tone for a critique of passivity and conformity, urging listeners to recognize and resist the forces of oppression. Chuck D's verses articulate a vision of empowerment and self-determination, challenging the listener to question and confront the structures that perpetuate injustice. The song's reference to "Panther power" invokes the legacy of the Black Panther Party, aligning Public Enemy with a history of Black activism and resistance.

The dialogue between Chuck D and Flavor Flav throughout the song adds a layer of complexity, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration in the fight against oppression. Flavor Flav's exclamations and questions serve to amplify the song's message, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy.

The lyrics "Radio—suckers never play me / On the mix, they just okay me" critique the mainstream media's role in silencing dissenting voices, while the homage to Assata Shakur in "Recorded and ordered, supporter of Chesimard" underscores the group's solidarity with political exiles and revolutionaries.

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