Explore the 80s hit Bad Reputation by Joan Jett—a timeless anthem of rebellion that shaped pop culture and remains an iconic staple today.
The 80s were a crazy period of time. There were all the neon colors, teased hair, and attitude that made the decade a riot. It was a time when anything felt possible, and rebellious energy cracked in the air like a whip. This was the decade where Joan Jett brought us amazing hits like I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll and of course, Bad Reputation.
Bad Reputation was a song that stomped onto the scene like a leather-clad biker gang. It was more than just another track. It quickly became an unofficial anthem for anyone who ever felt underestimated. It was the anthem for those who felt overlooked. And, it was the perfect song for anyone who was told that they couldn’t do something. And, nobody was capable of embodying that perfect-middle-finger-to-the-world energy quite like Joan Jett.
The song was more than just a mood, it was an entire cultural movement. Although the song never climbed its way to the top of the charts, it didn’t need to. It found its audience among the misfits and dreamers who wanted to leave their mark on the world without having to play by the rules. The song was filled with punk rock guitar riffs and unapologetic lyrics. It was the magnum opus of the 80s rebellious ethos.
The Basics: What You Need to Know
Before we get too in-depth, let’s quickly break down the basics.
- Title: Bad Reputation
- Artist: Joan Jett
- Genre: Punk rock/Hard rock
- Length: 2:48
- Chart Performance: While it didn’t dominate the Billboard Hot 100 upon release, it’s now considered one of Joan Jett’s signature songs.
- Single Release Date: January 23, 1981
- Albums Included In: Bad Reputation (1981)
The song is quick, punchy, and in-your-face. And, was the perfect song for playing with the volume cranked up to 11.
The Lyrics: A Defiant War Cry
In order to understand what Bad Reputation was all about, we need to take a closer look at the lyrics. Although they’re not exactly Shakespeare, they are nevertheless pure punk rock poetry.
I don’t give a damn ’bout my reputation
Living in the past, it’s a new generation
A girl can do what she wants to do and that’s what I’m gonna doAn’ I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation
Oh no, not meAn’ I don’t give a damn ’bout my reputation
Never said I wanted to improve my station
An’ I’m only doin’ good when I’m havin’ fun
An’ I don’t have to please no oneAn’ I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation
Oh no, no, no, no not me, oh no, no, no, no not meI don’t give a damn ’bout my reputation
I’ve never been afraid of any deviation
An’ I don’t really care if you think I’m strange
I ain’t gonna changeAn’ I’m never gonna care ’bout my bad reputation
Oh no, not me, oh no, not me
Pedal, boys!An’ I don’t give a damn ’bout my reputation
The world’s in trouble, there’s no communication
An’ everyone can say what they wanna say
It never gets better, anywaySo why should I care about a bad reputation, anyway?
Oh no, not me, oh no, not meI don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation
You’re living in the past, it’s a new generation
An’ I only feel good when I got no pain
An’ that’s how I’m gonna stayAn’ I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation
Oh no, not me, oh no, not me
Not me, not me
The song’s message is crystal clear. It’s all about being yourself no matter what anyone else thinks of you. And, it’s about rejecting social norms and living life on your own terms. More importantly, though, was that Joan Jett has even been quoted as declaring that the song reflects her own personal experiences within the music industry where it was hard for a female rock ‘n’ roll artist to find her own unique place.
Bad Reputation Was A Soundtrack to Rebellion
For anyone who grew up in the 80s, you can simply imagine yourself driving down the highway in a beat-up IROC-Z with the windows rolled down and T-tops off, blaring Bad Reputation on the radio. That is the sort of high that the song encapsulates.
After all, it was more than just another track, it was a statement of the times. It resonated with teens across the country who are looking to take their own paths in life. It resonated with women who are facing social challenges regarding expectations. And, it resonated with anyone who felt like flipping off the status quo.
It never made it to the top of the charts back in the day, but it still managed to heavily influence pop culture. Joan created the song as a reflection of her own personal experiences within the music industry. And, was surprised to find just how many people across the nation had similar experiences in their own lives. People who could easily relate to the same types of challenges that she had to overcome.
Eventually, the song would show up in multiple movies and TV shows. In the film 10 Things I Hate About You, the song was playing in the background as Julia Stiles made her way out onto the field to try out for the soccer team. The song has shown up in the animated film Shrek, as well as the biopic The Runaways.
Then there was the sound. That unforgettable sound. Those crunchy guitar riffs. And, Joan Jett’s raspy, no-nonsense vocals. It was gritty, and it rejected the polished pop music that was dominating the airwaves at the time. It helped to bring punk rock and that DIY ethos into the mainstream. It was as if Joan was telling the world, that you didn’t need any permission to be loud and messy.
The Making of a Classic
It’s interesting to note that the song Bad Reputation almost never happened. It’s important to remember that her band, The Runaways had only recently disbanded, leaving Joan to fight for herself in order to stay in the game. At the time, no record labels wanted to sign a female rocker who refused to conform to the norms of the industry. And so she gave them the proverbial middle finger and went indie, long before it was ever cool.
The song was eventually produced by Kenny Laguna who became Joan Jett’s right-hand man. That you had to scrape together just to get money to afford studio time. And, they had to personally sell their own merchandise at gigs in order to fund the album. It is the epitome of the punk rock hustle. And, it was a perfect representation of the 80s rock scene. The movie Airheads is the perfect example of the great lengths that rockers would go to get airtime.
Naturally, if Joan Jett and Kenny Laguna had to scrape together just to get the song recorded, it would naturally follow that the music video was also a DIY affair. It was filmed on a shoestring budget and features a collage of live performances that Joan had put on around the country. And, in an iconic bit of irony, it even features her wearing a cheerleading outfit while smashing her guitar.
Reception and Legacy of Bad Reputation
When the song first hit the airwaves, it wasn’t exactly a hit. Critics at the time were mixed, and mainstream radio just wasn’t ready for her raw energy. But that is the greatest thing about art, it doesn’t need immediate validation. Eventually, the song found its way into the hearts of listeners across the country, who are looking for something authentic and rebellious.
Today, Bad Reputation is considered a classic. Rolling Stone has even included it on their list of the top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. And, it was so popular in the end that modern artists like Miley Cyrus and Billy Eilish have even cited Joan Jett as an influence in their own music.
When “Bad Reputation” first hit the airwaves, it wasn’t exactly an overnight sensation. Critics were mixed, and mainstream radio wasn’t ready for its raw energy. But here’s the thing about great art—it doesn’t always need immediate validation. Over the years, the song found its way into the hearts of listeners who craved something authentic and rebellious.
Bad Reputation FAQ
Was Bad Reputation inspired by real events?
Without a question, Joan Jett has consistently stated that the song reflects her own personal struggles in the male-dominated music industry.
Is Joan Jett the sole writer?
The song itself was co-written by Joan and was produced by Kenny Laguna.
Has the song been covered by other artists?
Over the years, a number of top-name artists have covered Bad Reputation, including Paramore and Avril Lavigne.
Why wasn’t it a big hit initially?
The reason why the song was never a big hit initially, can be blamed on the industry bias of the time. But, the song’s legacy speaks for itself.
What’s the most famous use of the song in pop culture?
While the song was featured in a number of movies and television shows, the most famous use of Bad Reputation was in the film 10 Things I Hate about You.
Key Takeaways: Why “Bad Reputation” Still Rules
Remember, Bad Reputation wasn’t just a song, it was a rallying cry. It was a track for anyone who has been told that there is too much, too loud, or too different to make it in this world. It was a fearless message filled with gritty sound and an unapologetic attitude that made it one of the most defining tracks of the 80s. And, let’s be honest, everyone needs a little bit of Joan Jett’s energy in their lives.
