Prisoners
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Lyrics


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People tell us that we play too loud
But they don't know what our music's about
We never listen to the record company man
They try to screw us and ruin our band.

That's why we don't wanna be good
That's why we don't wanna be good
We're prisoners of rock and roll.

When were jammin' in our old garage
The girls come over and it sure gets hot
We don't wanna be watered down
Takin' orders from record company clowns.

That's why we don't wanna be good
That's why we don't wanna be good
We're prisoners of rock and roll.





We're prisoners of rock and roll.

Overall Meaning

In Neil Young's song "Prisoners of Rock and Roll," the lyrics portray the resistance and non-conformity of the main character, who is a musician in a rock and roll band. The lyrics convey the sentiment that the band's music and message are not for everyone, and that some people do not understand what the band is trying to convey. The band's music is loud and energetic, and they refuse to listen to the record company executives who want to water down their sound and message to appeal to a wider audience.


The lyrics "We're prisoners of rock and roll" suggest that the musician identifies strongly with their music and it has become an integral part of their identity. They are devoted to their craft and are willing to face the consequences of resistance, even if it means they will become outsiders or "prisoners." The song describes the band's passion for their music and how they are unapologetic for their loud and rebellious sound.


Overall, Neil Young's "Prisoners of Rock and Roll" expresses the intense connection between musicians and their music. It celebrates the counter-culture movement of the 1960s and 1970s and the desire to rebel against corporate and societal norms while staying true to oneself.


Line by Line Meaning

People tell us that we play too loud
People criticize our music for being too loud, without understanding its purpose or meaning.


But they don't know what our music's about
These critics lack understanding of the message and motives behind our music.


We never listen to the record company man
We refuse to obey the demands of the corporate music industry.


They try to screw us and ruin our band.
The music industry seeks to exploit us and harm our creative integrity.


That's why we don't wanna be good
We rebel against the industry's conformity, and prioritize our artistic and personal freedom.


That's why we don't wanna be good
Our refusal to conform to industry standards defines our identity as rock musicians.


We're prisoners of rock and roll.
Our passion and dedication to rock music enslaves us, and we would not have it any other way.




Contributed by Molly J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Beth


on We Never Danced

i desperately want to know who painted aunt lisa's paintings in the movie

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