According to an interview with NME, “Be a Rebel” is an “experiment” of sorts for New Order, trying out remote recording during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drummer Stephen Morris had this to say:
It’s been a bit strange making a record via remote control, with the song getting batted about backwards and...
[Verse 1]
I feel the need for harmony
And I look around, but it's not what I see
I see angry faces looking at me
And I want to know what makes them so
For this world can be a dangerous place
But it’s all we got and it's quite a lot
[Chorus]
Take a look at yourself
You may not be the same as everyone else
You're just different, that’s okay
We all follow our own way
And if you find that they won't listen
Then they've got nothing to say
So don't get mad and don't feel sad
Be a rebel, not a devil (Be a rebel, not a devil)
[Verse 2]
There will come a day
When your fear and self-doubt fades away
Because you have achieved what you need
There's no doubt in your heart, not a care
It's a family affair
[Chorus]
Take a look at yourself
You may not be the same as everyone else
You're just different, that’s okay
We all follow our own way
And if you find that they won’t listen
Then they've got nothing to say
So don’t get mad and don't feel sad
Be a rebel, not a devil
Be a Rebel was written by New Order.
Be a Rebel was produced by New Order.
New Order released Be a Rebel on Tue Sep 08 2020.
In tough times we wanted to reach out with a new song. We can’t play live for a while, but music is still something we can all share together. We hope you enjoy it… until we meet again.
– Bernard Sumner