Let There Be Rock

AC/DC's 'Let There Be Rock' is a high-voltage anthem that pays homage to the genesis of rock 'n' roll. The song begins by setting the scene in 1955, a pivotal year in the history of music, where the genre of rock 'n' roll was still in its infancy. The lyrics contrast the different musical styles of the time, with 'the white man' having 'the schmaltz' and 'the black man' having 'the blues,' highlighting the cultural melting pot that contributed to the creation of rock music. The reference to Tchaikovsky, a classical composer, humorously suggests that even in the classical realm, there was an anticipation for something new, which would be rock 'n' roll.

The chorus of the song invokes the biblical phrase 'Let there be light,' but instead, it's a call for the elements of rock music: sound, light, drums, and guitar. This metaphorical creation story of rock 'n' roll positions the genre as a force of nature, almost divinely ordained. The song goes on to describe the explosive impact of rock music across the land, with every band making waves and the guitar man rising to fame. It captures the spirit of the era, where rock music was not just a genre but a cultural phenomenon that enriched those who played it and those who turned it into a business.

Towards the end of the song, the setting shifts to a live performance in a club, emphasizing the raw energy and loudness of rock music. The singer's call to 'Let there be rock' is both a command and a celebration, encapsulating the transformative power of rock 'n' roll. It's a tribute to the music that would define a generation and continue to influence countless artists and fans around the world. AC/DC, known for their hard-hitting rock anthems, encapsulates the rebellious and electrifying essence of the genre in this track.