About the song
“Leader of the Pack” is an iconic song by The Shangri-Las, released in 1964. Written by George “Shadow” Morton, the track stands out as a quintessential example of 1960s girl group pop, blending rock and roll with storytelling elements.
The song narrates the dramatic tale of a young girl in love with a rebellious biker, known as the “Leader of the Pack.” The lyrics depict their passionate relationship and the heartbreak that ensues when the biker’s dangerous lifestyle ultimately leads to tragedy. The storytelling format, combined with the emotional delivery, creates a vivid and engaging narrative that resonates with listeners.
Musically, “Leader of the Pack” is characterized by its driving beat, catchy melodies, and distinctive production. The song features a mix of lush orchestration and jangly guitar riffs, typical of the era’s sound. The use of sound effects, such as motorcycle revs and crashes, adds to the song’s dramatic flair and immerses the listener in the story.
Upon its release, “Leader of the Pack” became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song solidified The Shangri-Las’ status as one of the leading girl groups of the time and remains a beloved classic.
“Leader of the Pack” has since been covered by various artists and has become a cultural touchstone, often associated with themes of youthful rebellion and romance. Its lasting impact on pop culture and music continues to be celebrated, making it a timeless anthem of the 1960s.
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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?”
“Mmm-hmm”
“Gee, it must be great riding with him”
“Is he picking you up after school today?”
“Mmm-mmm”
“By the way, where did 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
(What you mean when you 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”
(What you mean when you say that you 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, then kissed me goodbye
The tears were beginning to show
As he drove away on that rainy night
I begged him to go slow, whether he heard
I’ll never know (know, know, know, know, know, know, know)
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
Ooh-ooh-ooh (gone, gone-gone-gone-gone-gone)
The leader of the pack, now he’s gone (gone, gone-gone-gone-gone-gone)
The leader of the pack, now he’s gone (gone, gone-gone-gone-gone-gone)
the leader of the pack, now he’s gone (gone, gone-gone-gone-gone-gone).