Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black)
The Relentless
The Eternal Flame of Rock 'n' Roll: A Tribute to Legends
The Relentless' rendition of 'Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black)' is a powerful homage to the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll. The song opens with a declaration that 'Rock n’ Roll can never die,' setting the tone for a tribute to the genre's immortality. This line suggests that rock music transcends time and remains relevant despite changing trends. The phrase 'There’s more to the picture than meets the eye' hints at the deeper, often unseen impact of rock music on culture and individual lives.
The lyrics 'Out of the blue and into the black' metaphorically describe the transition from life to death, or from fame to obscurity. The line 'They gave you this, but you paid for that' reflects the sacrifices artists make for their fame and success. Once an artist has passed away or faded from the limelight, 'you can’t come back,' emphasizing the finality of these transitions. This part of the song poignantly addresses the high cost of fame and the inevitable decline that follows.
The mention of 'The King' and 'Johnny Rotten' serves as a nod to rock legends like Elvis Presley and the punk icon Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols. The line 'It’s better to burn out than to fade away' is a famous quote from Neil Young, suggesting that a spectacular, albeit short-lived, career is preferable to a prolonged decline. The song closes with a reaffirmation that 'Rock n’ Roll is here to stay,' reinforcing the idea that the spirit of rock music will continue to inspire and influence future generations, even as individual artists come and go.