Renegades

"Renegades" by X Ambassadors is a powerful anthem centered on the themes of rebellion, individuality, and empowerment. It's a celebration of those who defy societal norms and expectations to forge their own path. The term "renegade" itself signifies a person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles. In the context of the song, it's reclaimed as a positive identity for anyone who feels like an outsider or an underdog. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their uniqueness and to find strength in their perceived differences.

The song serves as a rallying cry for the marginalized and the non-conformists, with lines like "All hail the underdogs, all hail the new kids, all hail the outlaws." It suggests that true innovation and progress come from those who dare to break the rules and challenge the status quo, referencing creative visionaries like "Spielbergs and Kubricks" as examples of such pioneers. The core message is one of overcoming adversity and living life authentically and without fear. This theme was deeply personal for the band, particularly inspired by keyboardist Casey Harris, who has been blind since birth, and his ability to overcome incredible odds.

The song begins with an invitation to escape, a call to fellow "lost souls" to join in a liberating journey of running "wild and running free." It evokes a youthful, carefree spirit, likening the protagonists to "two kids." This sets the stage for the central theme: embracing a life of nonconformity, proudly identifying as "renegades." The repeated, chant-like "hey, hey, hey" serves as a rallying cry, reinforcing their commitment to this unconventional path.

The narrative then expands to honor other figures who challenge the status quo. It raises a toast to the "pioneers, rebels and mutineers," urging them to advance without fear. This section acts as a salute to all who dare to be different. The lyrics then specifically name-drop "Spielbergs and Kubricks," using these visionary film directors as modern examples of renegades who broke creative ground and redefined their fields. This reference broadens the definition of a renegade beyond simple rebellion to include artistic and intellectual trailblazers.

The song builds to a more explicit call to action. It declares a collective moment for change, a time to "make a move," "make amends," and fundamentally "break the rules." This isn't just a personal declaration anymore; it's a unified movement. The lyrics champion the underdogs, the "new kids," and the "outlaws," positioning them not as societal outcasts but as the rightful heirs to a new way of thinking and living. The closing lines, "Let's begin," transform the song from a reflective anthem into a forward-looking manifesto, urging listeners to actively start their own journey of breaking free from expectations and forging their own paths.

The creation of "Renegades" was notably swift and intertwined with a commercial partnership. In early 2015, the automotive company Jeep approached Interscope Records seeking a song to promote their new Jeep Renegade SUV. The label turned to producer Alex da Kid, who had been working with X Ambassadors.

Alex da Kid initiated the songwriting process with a simple idea. He called lead singer Sam Harris and said, "I had an idea to write a song called 'Renegades.' Start writing." Harris and Alex da Kid then collaborated, going through several versions of the chorus before settling on the final one. The song was nearly complete when the request from Jeep came in, allowing the band to deliver the track within just a few days. The rest of the band members—Casey Harris, Noah Feldshuh, and Adam Levin—then added their instrumental parts to the foundation Alex da Kid had laid out.

The song was officially released on March 3, 2015, as the second single from their debut album, VHS. Its prominent feature in the Jeep commercial, which even starred the band members themselves on a road trip, played a massive role in its rapid rise to popularity. The music video, shot in the band's hometown of Ithaca, New York, further cemented the song's inspirational message by featuring people with disabilities overcoming their challenges, a concept deeply personal to the band due to keyboardist Casey Harris's blindness since birth.

The rhythmic and rhyming structure of "Renegades" is foundational to its catchy, anthemic feel. The song is set in the key of B minor with a tempo of approximately 90 beats per minute.

Its rhythm is characterized by a strong, steady, and driving beat, often described as a stomp-clap rhythm, which makes it feel grounded and communal. This percussive foundation, combined with the prominent acoustic guitar strumming pattern, creates an infectious energy that propels the song forward.

The rhyme scheme is relatively simple and direct, which enhances its sing-along quality. For instance, the opening verse uses an AABB scheme ("me"/"revelry" and "free"/"me"). The chorus is built on the repetition of the key phrase "living like we're renegades," which acts as a powerful refrain. Other sections use couplets like "pioneers"/"mutineers" and the near rhyme of "ear". This straightforward rhyme structure makes the lyrics easy to remember and chant, reinforcing the song's nature as an anthem. The lyrical rhythm often syncs closely with the musical rhythm, with key phrases landing squarely on the beat, giving the song a powerful, declarative feel.

"Renegades" employs several stylistic techniques to create its anthemic and memorable quality.

• Musical Arrangement: The song builds from a simple, strummed acoustic guitar riff and gradually incorporates a driving, stomping drum beat, bass, and synthesizers. This crescendo creates a feeling of gathering momentum and empowerment, mirroring the song's lyrical message.
• Vocal Delivery: Sam Harris's vocal performance is impassioned and earnest, lending authenticity and emotional weight to the lyrics. The group vocals in the chorus, particularly the "hey, hey, hey" chant, create a communal, sing-along feel, inviting listeners to join the movement.
• Repetition (Anaphora): The repetition of phrases like "Living like we're renegades" and the anaphora in "All hail the underdogs / All hail the new kids / All hail the outlaws" and "It's our time to make a move / It's our time to make amends / It's our time to break the rules" serves to drill the central themes into the listener's mind, making the song's message clear and emphatic.
• Simile: The line "Living like we're renegades" is a direct simile, comparing the subjects' lifestyle to that of renegades and defining the song's core identity.
• Allusion: The specific reference to "Spielbergs and Kubricks" is a powerful allusion to cultural icons known for their groundbreaking work, adding a layer of intellectual and artistic rebellion to the song's meaning.

"Renegades" achieved significant cultural influence, largely propelled by its strategic commercial tie-in and universally resonant message. Its most impactful placement was in a series of 2015 commercials for the Jeep Renegade, which featured the band and rocketed the song into mainstream consciousness. This exposure led to immense commercial success; the song peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped multiple other Billboard charts, including Alternative and Rock Airplay.

Beyond the charts, the song became a pop culture staple, appearing in the TV series The Flash and Mr. Robot, and in video games like FUSER. The music video, celebrated for its inspiring depiction of people with disabilities overcoming challenges, garnered widespread praise and deepened the song's personal connection with audiences. The story behind the video, particularly its connection to the band's blind keyboardist Casey Harris, was a powerful narrative that resonated with many. "Renegades" is arguably X Ambassadors' most recognizable song, solidifying their place in the alternative pop-rock scene of the 2010s and leaving a legacy as an uplifting anthem of empowerment and individuality.

"Renegades" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that reinforce its central theme of celebrating non-conformity.

• Renegades: The titular term "renegades" is the song's primary symbol. Traditionally carrying a negative connotation of a traitor or deserter, the song reclaims it to represent anyone who breaks from societal norms to live authentically. It symbolizes individuality, courage, and a rebellious spirit.
• Underdogs, New Kids, Outlaws: These terms are used metaphorically to represent various groups of people who are often overlooked, dismissed, or considered outsiders. By hailing them, the song elevates their status, suggesting they are worthy of respect and admiration, much like royalty.
• Spielbergs and Kubricks: This is an allusion that functions as a metaphor for creative genius and visionary thinking. By including these iconic directors, the song expands the definition of a "renegade" from a mere rebel to include anyone who pioneers new ideas and challenges the conventions of their field. It equates breaking the rules with artistic and intellectual innovation.
• Running Wild and Free: This phrase metaphorically depicts a state of liberation from societal constraints and expectations. It conjures images of uninhibited, childlike freedom and the pursuit of a life unbound by convention.

"Renegades" utilizes several recurring phrases and motifs to reinforce its central message and enhance its memorability.

• "Living like we're renegades": This is the song's most prominent recurring phrase and its central lyrical hook. Repeated in the chorus, it functions as a proud declaration of identity. Its repetition solidifies the song's core theme of embracing a life outside of conventional expectations.
• The "Hey, hey, hey" chant: This non-lexical vocal hook is a powerful motif that creates a sense of communal energy and participation. It's a simple, universal chant that invites listeners to join in, transforming the song from a statement into a collective anthem.
• "All hail the...": The repetition of this phrase introduces a list of honored figures: "the underdogs," "the new kids," and "the outlaws." This anaphora acts as a motif of praise for the marginalized, framing them as figures worthy of celebration and respect.
• "It's our time to...": This repeated phrase signals a call to action. By repeating "It's our time," the song creates a sense of urgency and empowerment, suggesting that the moment for change is now. This motif shifts the song's tone from reflective to proactive.