Rock Music
Taylor Lyrics


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Mama knows and papa knows
That rock 'n roll is music now.
Baby's been cutting his teeth on Bo Diddley's,
I'm a man, man,
Listen to the Wolfman howl.
See the white man sailing his ship up on the sea,
Watch the white man shackle the black man to a tree.
To the invader go the fruits of war,
He misses home and his boots are sore.
He has not got no roots no more,
He comes for your gold,
Watch out for your soul.

Cause tennis shoes, and rhythm and blues
Are second generation
All across the nation, now,
And mama knows,
Papa too rock 'n roll is music,
Rock 'n roll is music, now.
To the invader go the fruits of war,
He misses home and his boots are sore.
He has not got no roots no more,
He comes for your gold,
Watch out for your soul.
Mama knows and papa knows




That rock 'n roll is music,
Rock 'n roll is music, now.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Taylor's song "Rock Music" depict the acknowledgment and recognition that rock 'n roll has become a prominent genre of music in contemporary society. The opening lines, "Mama knows and papa knows that rock 'n roll is music now," indicate that even the older generation, represented by the parents, has accepted and embraced this new form of music.


The lyrics then mention a baby who has been exposed to Bo Diddley's music, indicating that rock 'n roll has even influenced the youngest generation. The mention of "I'm a man, man, listen to the Wolfman howl" references influential figures and songs in the history of rock 'n roll.


The lyrics take a more serious turn as they describe the consequences of imperialism and colonization. The lines "See the white man sailing his ship up on the sea, watch the white man shackle the black man to a tree" delve into the historical context of exploitation and subjugation. The song suggests that the invader, despite gaining material wealth and power, has lost his own sense of identity and belonging. He is depicted as coming for gold and material possessions, but the warning is given to "watch out for your soul," indicating that there are deeper consequences to this exploitation.


Overall, "Rock Music" is a reflection of the influence and impact of rock 'n roll in society, from the acceptance of the older generation to its influence on younger generations. It also touches on the historical complexities and consequences associated with imperialist actions.


Line by Line Meaning

Mama knows and papa knows
Both mother and father understand


That rock 'n roll is music now.
That rock and roll has become a genre of music in the present.


Baby's been cutting his teeth on Bo Diddley's,
The young child has been learning and enjoying Bo Diddley's music.


I'm a man, man,
I am a grown man, emphasizing my maturity.


Listen to the Wolfman howl.
Pay attention to the Wolfman's passionate and intense vocalizations.


See the white man sailing his ship up on the sea,
Observe the sight of a Caucasian person navigating a ship over the ocean.


Watch the white man shackle the black man to a tree.
Witness the act of the white man restraining and imprisoning the black man by binding him to a tree.


To the invader go the fruits of war,
The spoils of war belong to the conqueror or attacker.


He misses home and his boots are sore.
He longs for his homeland and his feet are tired and aching.


He has not got no roots no more,
He no longer has any connection or attachment to his origins.


He comes for your gold,
He arrives with the intention of seizing your valuable possessions, particularly gold.


Watch out for your soul.
Be cautious and protect your spiritual well-being.


Cause tennis shoes, and rhythm and blues
Because of the influence of tennis shoes and rhythm and blues music


Are second generation
Have become prominent among the younger generation.


All across the nation, now,
Throughout the entire country, at this moment.


And mama knows,
And mother is aware.


Papa too rock 'n roll is music,
Father also acknowledges that rock and roll is a form of music.


Rock 'n roll is music, now.
Rock and roll is now recognized as a genre of music.


Mama knows and papa knows
Both mother and father understand.


That rock 'n roll is music,
That rock and roll is a form of music.


Rock 'n roll is music, now.
Rock and roll is now recognized as a genre of music.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Cunanan Renelie

Bad Blood
/
Lyrics
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood
You know it used to be mad love
So take a look what you've done
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
Now we got problems
And I don't think we can solve 'em
You made a really deep cut
And baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
Did you have to do this?
I was thinking that you could be trusted
Did you have to ruin
What was shining? Now it's all rusted
Did you have to hit me
Where I'm weak? Baby, I couldn't breathe
And rub it in so deep
Salt in the wound like you're laughing right at me
Oh, it's so sad to think about the good times
You and I
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood
You know it used to be mad love
So take a look what you've done
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
Now we got problems
And I don't think we can solve 'em
You made a really deep cut
And baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
Did you think we'd be fine?
Still got scars on my back from your knife
So don't think it's in the past
These kind of wounds they last and they last
Now did you think it all through?
All these things will catch up to you
And time can heal, but this won't
So if you come in my way, just don't
Oh, it's so sad to think about the good times
You and I
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood
You know it used to be mad love
So take a look what you've done
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
Now we got problems
And I don't think we can solve 'em
You made a really deep cut
And baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
Band-aids don't fix bullet holes
You say sorry just for show
If you live like that, you live with ghosts (ghosts, ghosts)
Band-aids don't fix bullet holes (hey!)
You say sorry just for show (hey!)
If you live like that, you live with ghosts (hey!)
Hm, if you love like that, blood runs cold
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood
You know it used to be mad love
So take a look what you've done
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
Now we got problems
And I don't think we can solve 'em (think we can solve 'em)
You made a really deep cut
And baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood
You know it used to be mad love
So take a look what you've done (look what you've done)
'Cause baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)
Now we got problems
And I don't think we can solve 'em
You made a really deep cut
And baby, now we got bad blood (hey!)



All comments from YouTube:

K𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘦

literally more proof we need a rock album from her omg 😭😭 Love this sm!!

Hufflepuff Donut

We need REP TV to be rock or we'll legit die dead.

mik mak

FR

MetallicaMan

Exactly! She explored other genres. Why not do a pop punk album?

Taylor Swift Vaults

She planned to have a rock album called karma on 2016 but the kanye insident happened and taylor swift received so many hate so she hide from the public eye and the karma album was canceled

7 More Replies...

Dormazain

Every single Taylor Song (Matt's Version) is an absolute banger, keep it on!

Matt Ebenezer

Thank you so much!!!

Mayra zucchetti

@Matt Ebenezer could you do the rock version of fighter-christina aguilera???

StarJewel

@Mayra zucchetti That song already has a rock vibe

Cody Di Giacinto

​@mattebenezer638 could you please make a rock version of Abcdefu Angier by Gayle?

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