About the song
Rock and Roll Music: A Song That Defined a Genre
In the annals of music history, few songs stand as tall and influential as Chuck Berry’s “Rock and Roll Music”. Released in 1957, this electrifying track not only became an instant hit but also served as a defining anthem for the burgeoning genre of rock and roll. With its infectious beat, driving guitar riffs, and unapologetically rebellious lyrics, “Rock and Roll Music” captured the spirit of a generation and laid the foundation for countless rock and roll artists to follow.
Chuck Berry, a pioneer of rock and roll, infused the song with his signature style, blending blues, country, and R&B influences into a sound that was both raw and refined. His guitar work, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and stinging riffs, provided the song’s backbone, while his vocals, imbued with a charismatic swagger, delivered the lyrics with an irresistible energy.
The lyrics of “Rock and Roll Music” are as potent as its music, painting a vivid picture of the transformative power of rock and roll. Berry extols the music’s ability to unite people, break down social barriers, and inject a sense of uninhibited joy into life. He sings of how rock and roll “makes you feel so good” and how it can “move your body all over the floor.”
“Rock and Roll Music”‘s impact extended far beyond the confines of a single song. It became a rallying cry for a generation seeking self-expression and a break from societal norms. The song’s influence can be heard in the music of countless rock and roll icons, from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen and Nirvana. Its legacy endures today, as “Rock and Roll Music” continues to inspire and energize audiences worldwide.
“Rock and Roll Music” is more than just a song; it is a cultural touchstone, a declaration of independence, and a testament to the enduring power of music to move and inspire. Chuck Berry’s masterpiece stands as a reminder of the transformative power of rock and roll, a genre that continues to shape and define our world.
Video
Lyrics
And now, the fantastic, the fabulous
Tremendous, powerful, dynamite
Lady of the blue
Miss Etta James, come here, baby
This is my girl
Just let me hear some of that rock ‘n’ roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it (oi, baby)
Any old way you choose it
It’s gotta be rock ‘n’ roll music
If you wanna dance with me (yeah)
If you wanna dance with me
I have no kick against modern jazz (alright)
Unless they try to play it too darn fast (know what you mean)
And change the beauty of the melody (yeah)
Until they sound just like a symphony
That’s why I go for that rock ‘n’ roll music
Any old time you use it (anytime)
It’s got a backbeat, and you can’t lose it
And any old time you use it (anytime)
It’s gotta be rock ‘n’ roll music
If you wanna dance with me (sing, sing, sing)
If you wanna dance with me
I took my lover over ‘cross the tracks (oh, yeah)
So he can hear my man avail a sax (I hear you)
I must admit, they had a rockin’ band (I believe)
They were blowin’ like a hurricane
That’s why I go for that rock ‘n’ roll music (yeah, baby)
Any old way you choose it (I can feel it)
It’s got a backbeat, and you can’t lose it (I know what you mean)
Any old way you choose it
It’s gotta be rock ‘n’ roll music (bring it on)
If you wanna dance with me (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
If you wanna dance with me
Way down south, they gave a jubilee
The country folks, they had a jamboree
They’re drinkin’ Homebrew from a wooden cup
And started playing, all shook up
A-a-started playin’ that rock ‘n’ roll music
Any old way you choose it (alright)
They got a backbeat, and you can’t lose it
And any old way you choose it
It’s gotta be rock ‘n’ roll music
If you wanna dance with me
If you wanna dance with me
Don’t care to hear ’em do the tango
I’m in no mood to do the mambo
It’s way too early for the congo
So keep a-rockin’ that piano
So I can hear that rock ‘n’ roll music
And any old way you choose it
It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it
Any old way you choose it
It’s gotta be rock ‘n’ roll music
If you wanna dance with me, yeah, yeah, yeah
It’s got to be rock ‘n’ roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it
Any old way you choose it
It’s got to be rock ‘n’ roll music
If you wanna dance with me
If you wanna dance with me
If you wanna dance with me
Etta James
Etta James
Give it a raising, give her a big up
Oh, wow