About the song
“Rock and Roll Music” by Chuck Berry is a quintessential rock and roll anthem that showcases Berry’s pioneering influence on the genre. Released as a single in September 1957, the song quickly became one of Berry’s most popular hits and a staple in the rock and roll repertoire. Written by Berry himself, “Rock and Roll Music” encapsulates the spirit and energy of the emerging rock and roll movement of the 1950s.
The release of “Rock and Roll Music” was a significant moment in the history of rock and roll. Berry, who was already gaining fame with hits like “Maybellene” and “Roll Over Beethoven,” further cemented his status as a rock and roll trailblazer with this track. The song was released by Chess Records, a label known for its pivotal role in the development of rhythm and blues and rock and roll. “Rock and Roll Music” was included on Berry’s 1959 album “Chuck Berry Is on Top,” which compiled many of his greatest hits.
Musically, “Rock and Roll Music” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy melody, and Berry’s distinctive guitar riffs. The song features a strong backbeat provided by the drums and a prominent piano part played by Lafayette Leake, which adds to its energetic and danceable quality. Berry’s guitar work is both innovative and influential, blending blues and rock elements to create a sound that would inspire countless future musicians. His vocal delivery is spirited and enthusiastic, capturing the excitement and rebelliousness of rock and roll.
The lyrics of “Rock and Roll Music” celebrate the joy and vitality of rock and roll. Berry sings about his love for the genre and its ability to get people dancing and having a good time. Lines like “It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it / Any old time you use it” and “It’s gotta be rock and roll music / If you wanna dance with me” emphasize the universal appeal and infectious rhythm of rock and roll. The song’s straightforward and relatable lyrics contributed to its widespread popularity and enduring legacy.
The social and cultural impact of “Rock and Roll Music” is profound. The song came out during a time when rock and roll was becoming a dominant force in American culture, particularly among the youth. Berry’s music, with its blend of rhythm and blues, country, and rock, played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers in the music industry and bringing people of different backgrounds together. “Rock and Roll Music” became an anthem for the teenage generation of the 1950s, symbolizing freedom, rebellion, and the joy of dancing to a new, exciting sound.
Live performances of “Rock and Roll Music” by Chuck Berry were electrifying and energetic. Berry’s charismatic stage presence, combined with his showmanship and guitar skills, made his live shows memorable experiences. His trademark “duck walk” and other stage antics became iconic and were imitated by many rock and roll performers who followed. Berry’s ability to engage and energize audiences with “Rock and Roll Music” helped solidify his reputation as one of the greatest live performers in rock history.
The legacy of “Rock and Roll Music” endures, as the song remains a beloved classic of the rock and roll era. It has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles and The Beach Boys, each bringing their own style to the timeless track. The song’s influence can be seen in the development of rock and roll and its impact on popular music as a whole. “Rock and Roll Music” continues to be a favorite on oldies radio stations, at dance parties, and in rock and roll retrospectives, ensuring that its vibrant spirit lives on.
In conclusion, “Rock and Roll Music” by Chuck Berry is more than just a rock and roll hit; it is a celebration of the genre’s power to move and unite people. The song’s infectious rhythm, spirited lyrics, and Berry’s innovative guitar work make it a timeless anthem that captures the essence of rock and roll. Whether you are a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, “Rock and Roll Music” highlights the enduring influence and artistry of Chuck Berry, a true pioneer of rock and roll.
Video
Lyric
[Chorus]
Just let me hear some of that rock and roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it
Any old time you use it
It’s gotta be rock and roll music
If you wanna dance with me
If you wanna dance with me[Verse 1]
I have no kick against modern jazz
Unless they try to play it too darn fast
And change the beauty of the melody
Until they sound just like a symphony[Chorus]
That’s why I go for that rock and roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it
Any old time you use it
It’s gotta be rock and roll music
If you wanna dance with me
If you wanna dance with me[Verse 2]
I took my loved one over across the tracks
So she can hear my man a-wail a sax
I must admit they have a rockin’ band
Man they were blowing like a hurricane[Chorus]
That’s why I go for that rock and roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it
Any old time you use it
It’s gotta be rock and roll music
If you wanna dance with me
If you wanna dance with me[Verse 3]
Way down South they gave a jubilee
The jokey folks they had a jamboree
They’re drinking home brew from a wooden cup
The folks dancing got all shook up[Chorus]
And started playing that rock and roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it
Any old time you use it
It’s gotta be rock and roll music
If you wanna dance with me
If you wanna dance with me[Verse 4]
Don’t care to hear ’em play a tango
Ain’t in the mood to take a mambo
It’s way too early for the congo
So keep a rockin’ that piano[Chorus]
So I can hear some of that rock and roll music
Any old way you choose it
It’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it
Any old time you use it
It’s gotta be rock and roll music
If you wanna dance with me
If you wanna dance with me