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.

"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.

The predominant emotional atmosphere of "Renegades" is one of uplifting and defiant hope. It creates a feeling of empowerment, inspiration, and optimistic rebellion. This emotional landscape is crafted through the interplay of its musical and lyrical elements. The song starts with a simple acoustic guitar, creating an intimate, grassroots feel, which then builds with a powerful, stomping rhythm and soaring chorus, mirroring a journey from individual feeling to collective strength. The lyrical content, which celebrates underdogs and pioneers, directly fosters feelings of validation and courage in the listener. Sam Harris's earnest and powerful vocal delivery adds a layer of sincerity and passion. While the key of B minor can sometimes evoke melancholy, in this context, it adds a touch of bittersweet depth to the otherwise optimistic and confident tone, acknowledging the struggle inherent in being a "renegade." The song maintains this hopeful and triumphant mood throughout, making it an anthem for perseverance.

"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.

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.

What is the meaning behind the song 'Renegades' by X Ambassadors?

'Renegades' is an anthem about celebrating individuality, embracing being an outsider, and defying societal expectations. It's a call to 'underdogs' and 'pioneers' to live authentically and fearlessly. The song was personally inspired by the band's keyboardist, Casey Harris, who has been blind since birth, reflecting a theme of overcoming adversity.

Was the song 'Renegades' written for the Jeep commercial?

Yes, the song was created in direct response to a request from Jeep for their 2015 Renegade campaign. Producer Alex da Kid and vocalist Sam Harris wrote the song, which was nearly finished when Jeep approached them, and it was quickly adopted for the commercial, which significantly boosted its popularity.

Who are the 'Spielbergs and Kubricks' mentioned in 'Renegades'?

This is a lyrical reference to famous film directors Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick. They are used as modern examples of 'renegades'—creative visionaries who broke the rules of filmmaking and created groundbreaking work, symbolizing the song's theme of honoring pioneers and innovators.

What genre of music is 'Renegades'?

The song is primarily categorized as Alternative Rock, but it also blends elements of Pop Rock and Folk Rock. Its use of acoustic guitar, a strong beat, and an anthemic chorus gives it a broad appeal across these genres.

When was 'Renegades' by X Ambassadors released?

The song 'Renegades' was officially released on March 3, 2015. It was the second single from the band's debut studio album, 'VHS'.

What is the significance of the 'Renegades' music video?

The music video is highly significant as it visualizes the song's theme of overcoming adversity. It features several people with physical disabilities performing incredible athletic feats. This was a personal touch for the band, as keyboardist Casey Harris is blind, making the video a powerful statement on perseverance.