God Gave Rock and Role to You
Petra Lyrics


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[Chorus]
God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Put it in the soul of everyone.
God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Put it in the soul of everyone.

You can learn to dance
Or you can be a square
You can let the music take you anywhere
But where will you be when the music's gone?

You can learn to sing
You can play guitar
You can learn to rock
You can be a star
But where will you be when the music's gone?

If you love the sound
Then don't forget the source
You can turn around,
You can change your course,
'Cause it's never too late to change your mind.

You can love the rock
And let Him free you soul




Or you can let the old man take his toll
It's never too late to change your mind.

Overall Meaning

Petra's song God Gave Rock and Roll to You is a tribute to the power of rock and roll music and its ability to reach and touch people in profound ways. The song suggests that God, the ultimate creator, gave rock and roll to humanity as a gift, placing its contagious energy and captivating melody deep within the soul of all people. This gift is meant to inspire and move us, to help us connect with one another and the divine, and ultimately to transform us into better, more compassionate versions of ourselves.


The lyrics suggest that rock and roll can be a force for good in the world, providing a way for people to express themselves, to dance and sing and play, and to find a sense of purpose and belonging in the world. The song also cautions against losing oneself in the music or in the pursuit of fame and fortune, reminding listeners that the true source of the music is divine and that its power can be harnessed for positive change.


Overall, God Gave Rock and Roll to You is a celebration of the human spirit, of our innate creativity and desire to connect with one another and with the world around us.


Line by Line Meaning

God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
God gave the gift of rock and roll to everyone, as it was meant to be shared and enjoyed by all.


Put it in the soul of everyone.
God instilled rock and roll into the very essence of our being, as it speaks to us on a deeper level.


You can learn to dance
By embracing rock and roll, you can learn to move to the rhythm and connect with others in a shared experience.


Or you can be a square
Alternatively, you can choose to reject rock and roll and remain stuck in old ways, missing out on the fun and community it brings.


You can let the music take you anywhere
Rock and roll can transport you to new places and evoke a variety of emotions, allowing you to escape from the mundanities of life.


But where will you be when the music's gone?
The temporary nature of the music we love forces us to consider our own mortality, and the legacy we will leave behind.


You can learn to sing
By practicing and honing your skills, you can develop an appreciation for the art of singing and become a part of the music yourself.


You can play guitar
Similarly, by mastering an instrument such as guitar, you can participate in the creation of music and leave your own mark on the world.


You can learn to rock
The art of rocking involves a certain attitude and passion for life that can be learned and applied to various situations in life.


You can be a star
Achieving success in the music industry can make you feel like a star, but it's important to remember that humility and gratitude are essential virtues.


If you love the sound
For true rock enthusiasts, rocking out is more than just a hobby or pastime, it's a way of life.


Then don't forget the source
It's important to acknowledge and appreciate the roots of rock and roll, which originated from African American culture and served as a means of expression and freedom.


You can turn around,
Even if you've been going down the wrong path, it's never too late to change course and pursue a different direction in life.


You can change your course,
By making a conscious effort to live a more positive and fulfilling life, you can find new purpose and meaning in your existence.


'Cause it's never too late to change your mind.
Regardless of how long you've been pursuing a particular goal or lifestyle, there's always an opportunity to reconsider your choices and take a different approach.


You can love the rock
Embracing rock and roll isn't just about enjoying the music, it's about loving the culture and values it represents.


And let Him free you soul
By letting go of preconceived notions and opening yourself up to the power of rock and roll, you can experience personal growth and healing.


Or you can let the old man take his toll
Alternatively, you can allow negativity and cynicism to take over, resulting in a life of loneliness and bitterness.


It's never too late to change your mind.
No matter how deep in a negative mindset you may be, there's always the option to embrace a more positive outlook and make the necessary changes to improve your life.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

TheAwesomeDerek

Petra is one of the best bands ever. They have a ton of good songs. This song is one of the greatest!

29

Amen!

Steve Betker

That’s the truth. John 3:16

Susan Brewer

Russ Ballard wrote it, but Petra’s version is definitely the coolest

Paul Boyle

This version has that 70's sound to it like the original version. I love it.

David Ragsdale

I know Russ Ballard wrote this song for his band, but Petra's 1977 version and reprise at the end to me are still the best of all versions!

Cody Flake

I’ve heard all Argent, Petra, and KISS do this song and I still have no favorites because they are all different. I like how Argent does it a little softer than the others, Petra makes a build-up to the song, and KISS must have practiced daily to have everything and everyone when they sang this. That is the awesome thing about bands, they have to do things their way even it’s a song that has been done before.

Lakisha Toussaint

Still powerful and beautiful in November 2021!!! Gloria a Dios🙌🏽

BarrioFabulous

This song, man. God gave rock'n'roll to you! Put it in the soul of everyone.

Sarai Leon

I love this song, and the fact that we have different versions to listen and to enjoy, depending on what kind of rock you like. I respect Petra's versions of this song (this and the live version). Kiss version is OK. Bride's version is interesting and I like it too.

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