About the song

Background:

“Like a Rock” was released in 1986 as the title track of Bob Seger’s thirteenth studio album. The song quickly resonated with listeners, capturing a sense of nostalgia and reflection on a simpler time. While initially popular, its fame soared when it was featured in Chevrolet truck commercials throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. This association with the ruggedness and reliability of American trucks further solidified its place in popular culture.

Themes:

The song explores several universal themes:

  • Nostalgia: The lyrics evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, inviting listeners to reflect on their own youth and the experiences that shaped them.
  • Passage of time: The song highlights the inevitability of change and the bittersweet realization that youth fades.
  • Strength and resilience: The metaphor of being “like a rock” speaks to the enduring spirit and resilience people can find within themselves.
  • Reflection and introspection: The lyrics encourage listeners to look back on their lives, evaluate their choices, and find meaning in their journey.

Overall:

“Like a Rock” is a timeless anthem that resonates with people of all ages. Its poignant lyrics and powerful melody have cemented its place as a classic rock song and a cultural touchstone. Its association with Chevrolet trucks further expanded its reach, making it an enduring symbol of American strength and perseverance.

Video

Lyrics

Stood there boldly, sweatin’ in the SunFelt like a million, felt like number oneThe height of summer, I’d never felt that strongLike a rock
I was 18, didn’t have a careWorking for peanuts, not a dime to spareBut I was lean and solid everywhereLike a rock
My hands were steady, my eyes were clear and brightMy walk had purpose, my steps were quick and lightAnd I held firmly to what I felt was rightLike a rock
Like a rock, I was strong as I could beLike a rock, nothin’ ever got to meLike a rock, I was something to seeLike a rock
And I stood arrow straightUnencumbered by the weight of all these hustlers and their schemesI stood proud, I stood tallHigh above it allI still believed in my dreams
20 years now, where’d they go?20 years, I don’t knowI sit and I wonder sometimesWhere they’ve gone
And sometimes late at nightOh, when I’m bathed in the firelightThe moon comes callin’ a ghostly whiteAnd I recall, I recall
Like a rock, standin’ arrow straightLike a rock, chargin’ from the gateLike a rock, carryin’ the weightLike a rock
Oh, like a rock, the sun upon my skinLike a rock, hard against the windLike a rock, I see myself againLike a rockOh, like a rock