Rock And Roll Music
Chuck Berry
The Unstoppable Beat of Rock and Roll
Chuck Berry's 'Rock And Roll Music' is a vibrant celebration of the genre that defined a generation. The song's lyrics express a deep love for rock and roll, emphasizing its irresistible beat and universal appeal. Berry's insistence that 'any old way you choose it' is the right way to enjoy rock and roll highlights the genre's flexibility and its ability to bring people together, regardless of their personal preferences or backgrounds. The repeated refrain underscores the idea that rock and roll is not just a type of music but a way of life, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the youth of the 1950s and 1960s.
Berry contrasts rock and roll with other musical styles, such as modern jazz, tango, and mambo, suggesting that while these genres have their merits, they lack the raw, unfiltered energy that makes rock and roll so compelling. He criticizes modern jazz for being played too fast and losing its melodic beauty, implying that rock and roll maintains its essence no matter how it's performed. This comparison serves to elevate rock and roll as the ultimate form of musical expression, one that is both accessible and profound.
The song also paints vivid pictures of various settings where rock and roll thrives, from a saxophone wailing across the tracks to a Southern jubilee where folks are drinking homebrew and dancing with abandon. These scenes illustrate the widespread influence of rock and roll and its ability to create joyous, communal experiences. Berry's lyrics capture the spirit of an era when rock and roll was more than just music; it was a cultural movement that brought people together and inspired them to dance, celebrate, and live life to the fullest.