Viking Juice: The End of Rock & Roll

INXS's song "Viking Juice: The End of Rock & Roll" delves into the existential crisis and the perceived decline of the rock and roll genre. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where the once-rebellious and groundbreaking spirit of rock music is fading. The opening lines, "If this was easy, where would I be? I haven't said I have all the answers, how could anyone?" suggest a sense of confusion and uncertainty about the future of rock music. The artist acknowledges the complexity of the situation and the impossibility of having all the answers.

The imagery of crashing a car into a wall and receiving applause despite the disaster symbolizes the paradoxical nature of the music industry. The protagonist is on his knees, searching for an escape, yet the audience continues to demand more. This could be interpreted as a critique of how the industry and fans often glorify the struggles and downfalls of artists, rather than supporting their growth and evolution. The repeated phrase, "It's called the end of rock and roll," serves as a somber declaration of the genre's decline.

The song also touches on the theme of disillusionment with the current state of music. The lines, "We ask too much of the song to come and save our souls, when all it's trying to do now is save its own," highlight the unrealistic expectations placed on music to provide salvation and meaning. The artist reflects on the loss of faith and spirit in the music, suggesting that perhaps they have come to the wrong show, having seen this decline before. The song ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the changing landscape of rock and roll and the challenges it faces in staying relevant in a rapidly evolving world.