Story Behind The Song

Song originated with the riff that plays in the intro. The verse melody came after living with the chord progression for awhile. The lyrics came last. I thought the song had a quality that lent itself to impudence. So I wrote a somg about someone who after living a quiet life was rewarded with an early demise. Who then decided to break every norm he could find and be rewarded with more time on earth...which he stole!

Song Description

The angel Michael looks over his "list" and that starts our hero to thinking how he can outwit the system. He decides to enlist his guardian angel (who thinks it's his duty to chart his charge's failures) to go to Hell and bring back some helpful tools. Not the least of which is the secret to Robert Johnson's legendary skill. Appearantly, leading a Good life is not the same as being Good. Living life to its fullest counteracts not behaving like an angel. Like any good epic (or pop psychology) a visit to one's place of origin is called for. In this case, the sonorous Monterrey.

Lyrics

Michael opened his book again
Wrote my name with his poison pen.
This time he said I got to go,
This time, all's not well if it ends well.

I know an angel keeping track
Every time I've ever held back
Every time I didn't sin and shout
Every song I didn't sing out.

(chorus)
I'll send that angel down to Hell;
Bring me back a candle, book, and bell;
Teach me Robert Johnson's magic spells.
I'll be a Rebel, I'll be Rebel!

There's a job listing on the wall
I tore it down, tacks and all.
A million to one they'd ever call;
I'd just be setting myself up to fall.

I think the time has finally come
To return to the place where I am from.
Find the house where I learned to calm down
Take my sledge and raze it to the ground.

(chorus)
I'll send that angel down to Hell;
Bring me back a candle, book, and bell;
Teach me Robert Johnson's magic spells.
I'll be a Rebel, I'll be a Rebel!

Monterrey, I'm coming home.

Michael opened his book and sighed
The page he wanted was torn away
Now he calls me his "Pauper of Grace"
Because all I own is this lucky face.

(chorus & fade)
I'll send that angel down to Hell;
Bring me back a candle, book, and bell;
Teach me Robert Johnson's magic spells.
I'll be a Rebel, I'll be a Rebel!