Raised On Rock
Johnny Winter Lyrics
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Music that they played with a feel
Some call it folk, some call it soul
People, let me tell you it was rock and roll
I was raised on rock, got that rhythm in my soul
Every day when I get home I turn on my radio
I knew every single record the DJ's played
The "Honky Tonk", "Hound Dog", "Johnny B. Goode"
"The Chain Gang", "Love Is Strange", "Knock On Wood"
I was raised on rock, got that rhythm in my soul
I was born to love the beat of that thing called rock and roll, yeah
They thought it was a fad, thought that it would pass
But the younger generation they knew it would last
Time gone by, the beat goes on
And every time I hear it, it takes me home
I was raised on rock, got that rhythm in my soul
Every day when I get home I turn on my radio
Mama played recordings of Beethoven's Fifth
Moonlight Sonata down the classical Liszt
Daddy loved to listen to his country songs
I was in the back room diggin' the Stones
I was raised on rock, got that rhythm in my soul
I was born to love the beat of that thing called rock and roll
I was raised on rock, got that rhythm in my soul
Every day when I get home I turn on my radio, radio
In “Raised On Rock”, a song by Johnny Winter, the artist talks about his obsession with rock and roll music, which he describes as being a part of his soul. Winter notes that, as a child, he heard music with a feel that some labeled as folk, soul or rock and roll. He identifies with the latter, claiming he was “raised on rock” and has loved it ever since. The beat of the music reverberates in him and he cannot help but feel connected to it every time he hears it.
Winter continues to reminisce about his childhood, recalling after-school evenings where he would listen to DJs playing records from his idols. He names some of these records, including “Honky Tonk”, “Hound Dog”, “Johnny B. Goode”, “The Chain Gang”, “Love Is Strange”, and “Knock On Wood”. For Winter, listening to rock and roll, then and now, is a way to connect with his past, and the music continues to give him a feeling of home.
Winter notes that when rock and roll came into the spotlight, some viewed it as a passing fad, but it has proved itself to be a form of music that has surpassed time. Even as music genres come and go, rock and roll remains, and Winter sees it as his duty to keep it alive.
Overall, “Raised On Rock” is a song that speaks to the power of music and how it can shape and influence a person’s life. For Winter, rock and roll has been and continues to be, an important part of his identity and a source of comfort and belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember as a child I used to hear
As a child, I recall hearing music that had an intangible passion.
Music that they played with a feel
Music was played with an emotional fervor and not just technically correct.
Some call it folk, some call it soul
The genre of music was not identifiable by a single label.
People, let me tell you it was rock and roll
Despite differing labels, anything with the right sound was considered rock and roll.
I was raised on rock, got that rhythm in my soul
Growing up, rock music has been a dominant presence in my life and became ingrained in me.
Every day when I get home I turn on my radio
As an adult, my love for rock continues, and listening to music is a daily occurrence.
And listen to the music that my idols made
I am devoted to listening to the rock artists that I idolize.
I knew every single record the DJ's played
I am familiar with every track the radio DJ's played in those days.
The "Honky Tonk", "Hound Dog", "Johnny B. Goode"
Specific songs like Honky Tonk, Hound Dog, and Johnny B. Goode were frequently played and are still highly regarded.
"The Chain Gang", "Love Is Strange", "Knock On Wood"
The Chain Gang, Love Is Strange, and Knock On Wood, are other tunes with which I am thoroughly acquainted.
They thought it was a fad, thought that it would pass
Skeptics once believed rock and roll was a passing trend.
But the younger generation they knew it would last
However, young people recognized its worth and knew it would stand the test of time.
Time gone by, the beat goes on
Despite decades passing, the music itself endures.
And every time I hear it, it takes me home
When I hear rock and roll, it instantly transports me back to fond memories of my youth.
Mama played recordings of Beethoven's Fifth
My mother introduced me to classical music, like Beethoven's Fifth.
Moonlight Sonata down the classical Liszt
She played other famous classical compositions like Moonlight Sonata, composed by Liszt.
Daddy loved to listen to his Country songs
My father listened to Country songs, a style of music that he favored.
I was in the back room diggin' the Stones
Meanwhile, I preferred to spend time in the back room listening to The Rolling Stones.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind