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about
I came up with the first verse of Teenage Rebel while working as a sort of waitress at a sleep away camp during the summer, finding myself just humming and laughing along to certain lyric ideas as I monotonously wiped tables or filled water jugs (and probably spilled them, to be quite honest). It was all sort of based around this gag that my friends and I had created. See, I’m the type of gal who for my entire sophomore year, no matter the circumstances, always tried to go to bed at 9 pm. I also was always incredibly obsessed with grades, had just started going to therapy and for once actually dealing with my mental health, and pretty much just had this big ball of teenage angst building up inside me, which I found incredibly funny.
But, also, there was another side of me that was just fed up with the phrase I had heard oh too many times: “What could you possibly be worried about at your age?” To which the song pretty much answers - a lot. Especially considering all of the mental health issues that were so prominent at the time (which do still obviously exist, but I have learned how to manage better over time), it just infuriated me how easy some adults thought that kids must have it simply based on their age.
Thus, I picked up my electric guitar and did what I would then classify as shredding (of which now seems more like a very loud acoustic). Luckily, my amazing mixing engineer Johnny, helped me out with the guitar, and ultimately made the song sound even more incredible than I had imagined.
And of course, if you need any more convincing to listen to the song, know that that the angst builds up so much in the song that I even rap at the end. . .and later even extended my own bedtime by a whole thirty minutes.
lyrics
Had to go through my emo phase on my own
Cause the girls at school would make fun of my clothes
Don’t know why anyone would wanna be 16 again
Was gonna dye my hair but was afraid of the side effects
Stay out past curfew but I’ve got a test tomorrow
Yeah I don’t have time to be a teenage rebel
And I’m trying to live in the moment
But oh I just keep overthinking
Every little thing I’ve said, you only live once how ‘bout that
And I’m trying to live in the moment
But oh I keep looking ahead
Worried ‘bout the future, worried ‘bout everything, worried ‘bout what happens next
I’m insecure, I’m insecure
Self conscious and I don’t know what for
I’m the outcast on the outskirts of the dance floor
Was gonna go out partying but had too much homework
Fought with my parents but felt sorry after
Self conscious and insecure
I’m not a teenage rebel just a teenager
Surrounded by teenage beauty queens
Taught to idolize girls in magazines
What could I be worried about at this age
Well honestly a lot it seems
And I’m too scared to be angsty and rude
Cause I’m too worried ‘bout the way that I’m viewed
This stressed out and I’m only 15
And Katy Perry lied about this teenage dream
I’m insecure, I’m insecure
Self conscious and I don’t know what for
I’m the outcast on the outskirts of the dance floor
Don’t got time to be a rebel teen
When I’m constantly worried ‘bout the way I’m perceived
Self conscious and insecure
I’m not a teenage rebel just a teenager
So here’s my angsty teenage throwback song
With a 90’s sort of tune
I’d throw my hands in the air like I just don’t care
But then again I kinda do
Surrounded by teenage beauty queens
Taught to idolize girls in magazines
To be fair a lot had changed since the 80’s
And honestly I’m thinking ‘bout turning to astrology
Oh what if they like me, what if I mess up
Trying not to act too snarky but still keep my head up
Oh what if they like me, what if I mess up
Trying not to act too snarky but still keep my head up
Society, hierarchy, and high school popularity
Canceled on the party cause I had to go to therapy
Tell me what’s up with this generation’s ideology
But like the boomers say let’s all just blame it on technology
The reason I’m so angsty’s probably cause I’ve got anxiety
And this ain’t adding up like they taught me in trigonometry
And at this point calming down’s not a legit possibility
And who had time to be a rebel teen now honestly
credits
released September 23, 2022
engineered by John Terrell at Soul Haven Studios; Ann Gray: vocals, guitar; John Terrell: electric guitar, bass; JJ Bowers: drums
A captivating indie-pop artist weaving introspective tales with infectious melodies. Her evocative vocals and honest lyrics
resonate deeply, capturing the essence of life's joys and struggles. Immerse yourself in her enchanting soundscapes that blend vulnerability and strength, inviting listeners on a journey of self-discovery....more
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