(Bryan Adams/Jim Valance)

I made my way back to the old town
And everything looked the same
The shops and the schools and the factories were there
But somehow the faces had changed
So I went for a walk in the high streets
Took my coat off and rolled up my sleeves
I thought of my father and his father before him
And how I was the first one to leave

Well I didn't come here for forgiveness
There isn't a lot I can say
'cause I remember the reasons I first ran away

I'm a rebel
Just a rebel
Got my back to the wall
Gonna fight 'til I fall
I'm a rebel

When it comes time for leavin'
Don't stand in my way

Don't ever look back - don't surrender
The old men say they've seen it before
Oh they drink their beer and they talk about friends
Who didn't come back from the war

Don't say I'm too young to remember
don't tell me what's wrong or what's right
Just give me a chance to go out there and fight

I'm a rebel
Just a rebel
Got my back to the wall
Gonna fight 'til I fall
I'm a rebel

When it comes time for leavin'
Don't stand in my way
There's nothing left for me here
Gonna run, run away

I'm a rebel
Just a rebel
Got my back to the wall
Gonna fight 'til I fall
I'm a rebel

Just a rebel
Just a rebel
I'm a rebel