"Renegade" by Styx

Face the law with Styx's hard rock anthem, "Renegade"! Released in 1978 on the album Pieces of Eight, this powerful track grabs you with its haunting a cappella intro before exploding into heavy guitar riffs. A dramatic tale of an outlaw's fate, it remains a stadium-shaking classic.

Featured on Styx's 1978 platinum-selling concept album Pieces of Eight, "Renegade" delivered a potent dose of hard rock energy. Written and powerfully sung by guitarist Tommy Shaw, the song contrasts a stark, multitracked a cappella opening verse with a driving, guitar-heavy main section. This dynamic structure and compelling outlaw narrative made "Renegade" a standout and enduring track from the album.

Emerging from the album released around September 01, 1978, "Renegade" later became a successful single in early 1979 and one of Styx's most recognized hard rock hits. Its combination of Shaw's passionate vocals, a heavy guitar riff, and a dramatic storyline has made it a perennial concert favorite and a beloved anthem, notably adopted by Pittsburgh Steelers fans.

SONG MEANING: "Renegade" tells the story from the first-person perspective of an outlaw facing his imminent capture and execution by hanging. The lyrics are framed as a confession and lament to his mother ("Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law"), acknowledging his crimes ("The jig is up, the news is out") and accepting his fate as a wanted man.