I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent
Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, The Teenagers, Frankie Lymon
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I'm not a juvenile delinquent No no no no no no no no No no no no no no no no No no no, I'm not a juvenile delinquent Do the things that's right And you'll do nothing wrong Life will be so nice, you'll be in paradise I know, because I'm not a juvenile delinquent But listen boys and girls You need not be blue And life is what you make of it It all depends on you I know, because I'm not a juvenile delinquent It's easy to be good, it's hard to be bad Stay out of trouble, and you be glad Take this tip from me, and you will see How happy you will be Oh oh, boys and girls, this is my story And I add all of my glory I know, because I'm not a juvenile delinquent It's easy to be good, it's hard to be bad Stay out of trouble, and you be glad Take this tip from me, and you will see How happy you will be Oh oh, boys and girls, this is my story And I add all of my glory I know, because I'm not a juvenile delinquent No no no, I'm not a juvenile No no no, I'm not a juvenile
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: MORRIS LEVY
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Artist Background"I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent" is a song by Frankie Lymon, an influential rock and roll/R&B singer and songwriter who gained fame as a teen star in the 1950s.
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Song Release"I'm Not a Juvenile Delicnquent" was released in 1957 as part of the album "The Teenagers featuring Frankie Lymon."
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Album SuccessThe album "The Teenagers featuring Frankie Lymon," which features "I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent," was one of the most successful of Lymon's career.
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Social RelevanceThe song's lyrics relate directly to the issues of juvenile delinquency that had become significant societal concerns during the 1950s.
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Musical StyleLike much of Lymon’s music, “I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent” blends elements of doo-wop, R&B, and rock 'n' roll.
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Famous Movie Appearance"I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent" was famously used in the soundtrack for the 1973 George Lucas film, "American Graffiti."
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Song MessageWhile many songs of the era glamorized rebellion and youth angst, “I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent” presented a counternarrative, stressing the importance of good behavior and obedience to the law.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by various artists over the years, demonstrating its lasting appeal. For example, a version was recorded by the British rock and roll revival band Showaddywaddy in the late '70s.
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Cultural ImpactThe song is an example of how music and pop culture were being used to address social and cultural issues, in this case, juvenile delinquency.
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Posthumous RecognitionLong after Lymon’s death in 1968, “I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent” continues to be played and recognized, reaffirming Lymon’s legacy and influence on the music industry.
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Career ReflectionDespite the song’s message, Lymon himself battled drug addiction and legal troubles, underscoring the tragic disconnect between his songs and life.
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Citation
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"I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 2 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/635014/Frankie+Lymon/I%27m+Not+a+Juvenile+Delinquent>.
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