We Want The Airwaves
The Ramones/The Ramones Lyrics


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Nine to five and five to nine
Ain't gonna take it, it's our time
We want the world and we want it now
We're gonna take it, anyhow

We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves, baby
If rock is gonna stay alive

Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night

Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night

Where's your guts and will to survive?
Don't you want to keep rock and roll music alive?
Mister programmer, I got my hammer for to smash my, smash my radio

We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves, baby
If rock is gonna stay alive

Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night

Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night

We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves




We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, baby

Overall Meaning

"We Want The Airwaves" is a song by The Ramones that expresses their desire to have greater control over the airwaves and the spread of rock and roll music. The song was released in 1981 and is a catchy punk rock anthem that features the classic Ramones' sound of fast-paced guitar riffs, driving drums and simple, repetitive lyrics. The first line of the song, "Nine to five and five to nine, ain't gonna take it, it's our time," highlights the central theme of the song which is about the struggle of young musicians to break into the mainstream music industry and gain exposure through radio airplay.


The Ramones believed that the radio industry was controlled by corporate interests and that it was difficult for independent artists to gain airtime. The lyrics "Where's your guts and will to survive? Don't you want to keep rock and roll music alive?" call out the radio executives for not taking risks and playing safe, commercial music instead of supporting new and innovative artists. The line "Mister programmer, I got my hammer for to smash my, smash my radio" is a nod to the protest culture of the 60s and 70s and reflects the frustration of young people with the establishment.


In summary, "We Want The Airwaves" is The Ramones' statement of rebellion against the radio industry and a call to support up-and-coming artists. The song is a powerful expression of the punk rock ideology of challenging authority and championing individuality and creative expression.


Line by Line Meaning

Nine to five and five to nine
We reject the traditional 9-5 workday and are dedicating ourselves to pursuing our passion for rock and roll 24/7.


Ain't gonna take it, it's our time
We refuse to accept the status quo and recognize that now is the time for us to make our mark in the music industry.


We want the world and we want it now
We have ambitious and lofty goals and believe that we deserve success and recognition immediately.


We're gonna take it, anyhow
We are determined to achieve our goals through whatever means necessary, even if it means going against the norm.


We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We recognize the importance of radio in spreading our music to a wider audience and want to take control of this medium to promote our message.


We want the airwaves, baby
We have a strong desire to dominate the airwaves and become a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.


If rock is gonna stay alive
We believe that rock and roll music is under threat and that it is our responsibility to keep this genre alive for future generations to enjoy.


Let's rock, tonight, all night
We are ready to give it our all and showcase our music to the world through a lively, energetic performance.


Where's your guts and will to survive?
We are challenging others in the industry to step up and fight for their music, pushing the boundaries and striving for success.


Don't you want to keep rock and roll music alive?
We are urging others to join us in preserving and promoting the rock and roll genre, recognizing its cultural significance.


Mister programmer, I got my hammer for to smash my, smash my radio
We are frustrated with radio programmers who are unwilling to play our music and are resorting to drastic measures to make our voices heard.


We want the airwaves, airwaves
We are reiterating our strong desire to take over the airwaves and promote our music to a wide audience.


We want the airwaves, baby
We are emphasizing our unwavering commitment to taking control of the airwaves and seeing our music succeed.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEFFREY HYMAN, JOEY RAMONE

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

@KennethMcGrath

LYRICS

Nine to five and five to nine
Ain't gonna take it, it's our time
We want the world and we want it now
We're gonna take it, anyhow

We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves, baby
If rock is gonna stay alive

Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night

Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night

Where's your guts and will to survive?
Don't you want to keep rock and roll music alive?
Mister programmer, I got my hammer for to smash my, smash my radio

We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves, baby
If rock is gonna stay alive

Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night

Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night

We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, baby



All comments from YouTube:

@luciok-po5401

2023 and those boys still are the best...

@DaYNe69

Aguante los ramones y flema loco

@user-ui8sb8mz2k

Yeaaa🖐️☯️🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘👍 Jon

@AidenLopez-yd2hq

Rest in peace Ramones🕊

@jeffreywilliams2240

TROOF!!!!

@sergiogabrielortega4071

​@@DaYNe69⁰0

13 More Replies...

@herkkoerkko9608

These dudes are my heroes. They came from nothing and just give the finger for the hole music industry.

@Ninineonangel77

They are mine too honestly! They really are the best band that'll ever exist.

@user-yp7pq7co5s

🎉

@herchelleonwood7463

@@Ninineonangel77 piss's me off to this day that the Ramones NEVER got the airplay they deserved, the record companies new that as soon as the mass's were exposed to the Ramones that traditional rock would be history, like the dinosaur..

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