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About The Song
Released in 1964, “Leader of the Pack” is a timeless girl group anthem by The Shangri-Las that delves into the tumultuous world of teenage romance. The song’s narrative unfolds in a series of dramatic vignettes, beginning with a chance encounter at a drive-in movie theater and culminating in a tragic motorcycle accident. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of youthful rebellion, societal pressures, and the intensity of young love.
The song’s iconic opening line, “Do you remember the day we went to the drive-in?” sets the stage for a tale of forbidden passion and its tragic consequences. The narrator, a young woman, recounts the initial spark of attraction with her lover, a rebellious figure known as the “leader of the pack.” Their relationship is fraught with danger and disapproval from the adults around them, but they defy expectations and indulge in their forbidden love.
As the song progresses, the narrator’s tone becomes increasingly ominous, hinting at the impending tragedy. She describes the thrill of riding on her lover’s motorcycle, a symbol of their rebellious spirit. However, their reckless lifestyle ultimately leads to a fatal accident. The song concludes with a poignant image of the narrator standing alone at her lover’s grave, mourning the loss of her teenage love.
“Leader of the Pack” is more than just a catchy pop song; it is a poignant exploration of the themes of youth, rebellion, and the bittersweet nature of first love. The Shangri-Las’ powerful vocals and the song’s dramatic storytelling have solidified its place as a classic of the girl group era.
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Is she really going out with him?
Well, there she is. Let’s ask her.
Betty, is that Jimmy’s ring you’re wearing?
Mm-hmm
Gee, it must be great riding with him
Is he picking you up after school today?
Uh-uh
By the way, where’d you meet him?
I met him at the candy store
He turned around and smiled at me
You get the picture? (yes, we see)
That’s when I fell for the leader of the pack
My folks were always putting him down (down, down)
They said he came from the wrong side of town
(Whatcha mean when ya say that he came from the wrong side of town?)
They told me he was bad
But I knew he was sad
That’s why I fell for the leader of the pack
One day my dad said, “Find someone new”
I had to tell my Jimmy we’re through
(Whatcha mean when ya say that ya better go find somebody new?)
He stood there and asked me why
But all I could do was cry
I’m sorry I hurt you the leader of the pack
He sort of smiled and kissed me goodbye
The tears were beginning to show
As he drove away on that rainy night
I begged him to go slow
But whether he heard, I’ll never know
Look out! Look out! Look out! Look out!
I felt so helpless, what could I do?
Remembering all the things we’d been through
In school they all stop and stare
I can’t hide the tears, but I don’t care
I’ll never forget him, the leader of the pack
The leader of the pack – now he’s gone
The leader of the pack – now he’s gone
The leader of the pack – now he’s gone
The leader of the pack – now he’s gone