I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent
| "I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 45 RPM single version | ||||
| Single by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers | ||||
| from the album The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon | ||||
| B-side | "Baby, Baby" | |||
| Released |
| |||
| Recorded | August–October 1956 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length |
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| Label | Gee | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent" on YouTube | ||||
"I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent" is a song written by George Goldner and performed by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers for the 1956 film Rock, Rock, Rock!, which also appeared on the soundtrack for the film's 50th anniversary. It reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart in April 1957.[1] It was released in November 1956 in the US[2] and February 1957 in the UK,[3] and is the last song featured on the 1956 album The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon.[4]
Background[edit]
The song was originally written by Jimmy Merchant with the help of his older songwriter friend Robert Spencer (later finalized by Goldner). According to Merchant, it was notably the first protest song ever released by the Teenagers. Merchant described that the "words [of this song] object to being labeled as 'bad', but eclipse with a strong, uplifting truth in its opening line."[5]
The Teenagers (including Herman Santiago, Joe Negroni, Merchant, and Sherman Garnes) recorded their harmony on August 4, 1956, without Frankie Lymon. Two months later, Lymon was brought into overdub as a lead singer.[6] In addition to the Teenagers' versions and Lymon's overdub, Merchant primarily constructed the harmony background.[7]
Behind the song[edit]
Although not confirmed, there are possibilities that lead to the composition of the song.
The Teenagers–regarding their African American and Puerto Rican heritage as they formed the harmony–were accused of "promoting miscegenation and delinquency." The motive for animosity towards them is unknown since it was chiefly racial prejudice, which was especially predominant in New York, 1950s. Despite the apparent accusations they received, The Teenagers "grew out of urban gang culture and opposed violence especially against minorities while fighting for racial equality.[8] This following incident suggests that this song is associated with racism.
Another probability suggests that this song is mainly concerned with the widespread of juvenile delinquency in United States, particularly in 1954 to 1956, that "Americans worried deeply about" the increase of it.[9][10]
Rock, Rock, Rock![edit]
Filmed at Mikaro Studios in Bronx, New York,[11] Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers were on Rock, Rock, Rock! set performing on stage, dancing and apparently lip-syncing to the song in front of the audience.
Synopsis[edit]
A black-and-white video begins with Garnes extending his thumb toward his chest, uttering "I'm not a juvenile delinquent." After his introduction, the video zooms out to show the rest of boys swinging their arms back and forth, and lifting their knees to do a walking motion in place rhythmically (accompanied by Negroni, Merchant, and Santiago); then it also reveals Lymon gesturing, especially the prayer hands. They are performing their dance almost the entire duration until the song ends, which results in the video slowly zooming into Lymon making a prayer gesture. While the audience is applauding and cheering for them, the boys conclude their performance with a smile and a pose, which they are seen pressing both index fingers to their cheeks, bending their knees with one foot in front of other, and then making prayer hands.
Lyrics[edit]
The first-person narrative addresses (presumably) a boy who is given an advice on making a right choice, and has a potential to "be in paradise." However, the boy acknowledges it and assures that he is not a juvenile delinquent throughout the song[12][13]."
While stating that he is not a juvenile delinquent, the boy chanted, quoting "It's easy to be good; it's hard to be bad. Stay out of trouble, and you'll be glad. Now, take this tip from me, and you will see how happy you will be[14].
Charts[edit]
| Chart (1957) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC)[15] | 12 |
Other versions[edit]
- The Amboy Dukes released a version of the song on their 1969 album, Migration.[16]
- Shakin' Stevens and the Sunsets released a version of the song on their 1971 album, I'm No J.D.[17]
In popular culture[edit]
 |
The Teenagers' version was featured in the 1972 film Pink Flamingos, and the 1993 movie This Boy's Life. It was also featured in the episode of The Young Ones titled "Bomb".
References[edit]
- ^ "Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, "I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent" Chart Positions". Retrieved December 9, 2016.
- ^ "Frankie Lymon And The Teenagers - I'm Not A Juvenile Delinquent". 45cat. 45cat for vinyl 7" records. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ "Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers - I'm Not A Juvenile Delinquent". 45cat. 45cat for vinyl 7" records. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ "Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon". Discogs. December 1956. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
- ^ Merchant 2023, p. 182–83.
- ^ Merchant 2023, p. 213.
- ^ "Jimmy merchant screenshot inajd". Flickr. Flickr. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ Joseph, Matthew (2022). ""I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent": Mixed-Race Doo-Wop, Gang Culture, and the War against Rock 'n' Roll, 1954–59". American Historical Association. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
- ^ Gilbert, James (1988). Cycle of Outrage. New York, New York: Oxford University Press. p. 68. ISBN 0-19-505641-8.
- ^ Goode, Erich (2017). "Moral Panic". The Encyclopedia of Juvenile Delinquency and Justice. doi:10.1002/9781118524275.ejdj0054.
- ^ "Rock Rock Rock!". AFI Catalog. American Film Institute. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ Merchant 2023, p. 182.
- ^ Zandt, Steve. ""Juvenile Delinquent" Lyrics, Facts, and Figures" (PDF). TeachRock. TeachRock. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
- ^ Merchant 2023, p. 183.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ "The Amboy Dukes, Migration". AllMusic. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
- ^ "Shakin' Stevens and the Sunsets, I'm No J.D.". Retrieved December 9, 2016.
Bibliography[edit]
- Merchant, Jimmy (2023). A Teenager's Dream: Why Do Fools Fall in Love. Pearly Gates Publishing. ISBN 978-1-948853-65-1.
