Introduction
“Leader of the Pack” is a quintessential example of the “teenage tragedy song” genre that gained popularity in the early 1960s. Performed by the American girl group The Shangri-Las, the song was released in September 1964 and quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart by November of the same year.
The track was penned by the songwriting trio of George “Shadow” Morton, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich, who were prominent figures in the pop music scene of that era. Morton, known for his dramatic storytelling and production style, also produced the song. The narrative centers on a young girl named Betty who falls in love with Jimmy, the leader of a motorcycle gang. Facing parental disapproval, she ends the relationship, leading to Jimmy’s tragic death in a motorcycle accident. The song’s emotive storyline, combined with sound effects like roaring motorcycles, contributed to its dramatic appeal.
The Shangri-Las, consisting of sisters Mary and Betty Weiss and twins Marge and Mary Ann Ganser, were known for their emotive performances and melodramatic songs. “Leader of the Pack” became their signature hit, solidifying their place in pop music history. The song’s success also highlighted the group’s collaboration with Morton, who played a significant role in crafting their distinctive sound.
Over the years, “Leader of the Pack” has been covered by various artists and has appeared in multiple media forms, including films and musicals, underscoring its enduring impact on popular culture. Its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s singles category in 2019 further attests to its lasting significance in the music industry.
The song remains a poignant reflection of teenage romance and rebellion, capturing the zeitgeist of the 1960s and continuing to resonate with audiences today.
Video
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