Rock'n'roll Preacher

Slade's song "Rock'n'roll Preacher" is a high-energy anthem that blends the fervor of a religious sermon with the electrifying spirit of rock and roll. The lyrics open with a mock-sermon, setting a tone that is both reverent and rebellious. The phrase "Till deaf do us part" cleverly plays on the traditional wedding vow, suggesting a lifelong commitment to the power of music. This opening sets the stage for a song that celebrates the transformative and almost spiritual experience of rock music.

The repeated exclamations of "Hallelujah" and "I've seen the light" mimic the language of religious revival, but here, the 'light' is the enlightenment and ecstasy found in rock and roll. The song portrays rock music as a kind of salvation, a force that can set the soul on fire. The lyrics describe the music as a 'bug' and a 'drug,' emphasizing its addictive and all-consuming nature. This metaphorical language elevates rock music to a divine status, suggesting that it has the power to lead people astray in the most exhilarating way.

The chorus, with its calls to the "Rock and roll preacher" and "Rock and roll sister," personifies the music as charismatic leaders who guide their followers through a spiritual journey. The song's relentless energy and repetitive structure mirror the hypnotic and captivating nature of a powerful sermon. Slade's use of religious imagery and fervent language creates a vivid picture of rock music as a unifying, almost holy experience. The song is a celebration of the communal and transcendent power of rock and roll, capturing the essence of what makes it so compelling and enduring.