Rock'N'Roll

Lou Reed's song "Rock 'N' Roll" tells the story of Jenny, a young girl who finds herself disillusioned with the world around her. From a very young age, Jenny feels a sense of emptiness and boredom, as nothing seems to capture her interest or bring her joy. The repetitive mention of her age and the lack of excitement in her life underscores a sense of stagnation and dissatisfaction. This is further emphasized by the material possessions mentioned, such as two TV sets and two Cadillac cars, which fail to bring her any real happiness or fulfillment.

The turning point in Jenny's life comes when she tunes into a New York radio station and hears rock 'n' roll music for the first time. This moment is transformative for her, as the music ignites a spark within her and brings her a sense of joy and liberation. The lyrics describe how she starts dancing to the music, and it is this act of dancing and the music itself that 'saves' her life. The repetition of the phrase "her life was saved by rock 'n' roll" highlights the profound impact that music can have on an individual's life, offering an escape and a sense of purpose.

The song also touches on themes of resilience and the power of music to overcome adversity. The line "despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n' roll station" suggests that no matter what challenges or hardships one may face, music has the power to heal and provide solace. Lou Reed's portrayal of Jenny's journey from disillusionment to empowerment through rock 'n' roll serves as a testament to the enduring and transformative power of music.