Buddy Holly – Rave on

About

Background

• A Songwriter’s Inspiration: “Rave On” was written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman, and Norman Petty in 1958. Sonny West was inspired to write the song after hearing Carl Perkins’ 1956 hit “Dixie Fried”, which liberally used the phrase “rave on”.
• Production: While some of West’s recordings involved Norman Petty as producer, “Rave On” stands out. It was produced by Milton DeLugg and recorded in New York City with Buddy Holly’s band, The Crickets.
• Holly’s Iconic Touch: Buddy Holly’s signature vocal style and energetic delivery transformed “Rave On” into the rock and roll classic it is today. His memorable hiccup-infused “well…” opening and passionate performance solidified his position as a pioneer of the genre.

Themes

• Unrestrained Love: The central theme of “Rave On” is the overwhelming, all-consuming nature of passionate love. The lyrics express the feeling that this love is so potent it’s impossible to ignore or contain.
• Persistence and Hope: The song carries an underlying sense of unwavering determination. The singer urges their love interest to not be lonely and to reciprocate their feelings, expressing a hopeful pursuit.
• Youthful Rebellion: “Rave On” embodies the spirit of rock and roll in its time. With its energetic beat and lyrics about intense emotions, it aligns with the youthful energy and push against the norms of the older generation that rock and roll represented.

Lyrics

Here’s a closer look at some key lyrical passages:

• “The way you say you love me / The way you hold me tight”: These lines highlight the singer’s joyful response to their love interest’s reciprocated affection.
• “I know that it’s got me reeling / I’m so glad that you’re revealing / Your love for me”: This conveys the overwhelming power of newfound love, the singer swept away by newfound emotion.
• “Rave on, it’s a crazy feeling / And I know it’s got me reeling”: The repetition of “Rave on” emphasizes the song’s main theme of intense emotional excitement and celebrates this exhilarating feeling of love.

Legacy

“Rave On” has left an enduring impact on the world of music:

• Rock and Roll Anthem: It’s considered one of the defining rock and roll songs of its era, capturing the exuberance and rebellious spirit of the genre.
• Critical Acclaim: Rolling Stone Magazine placed “Rave On” at number 154 on its prestigious “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list.
• Influential Covers: Numerous artists have covered “Rave On”, paying homage to the song’s timeless appeal and Buddy Holly’s iconic status.

Video

Lyric