Rock & Roll Song
Valdy Lyrics


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I came into town as a man of renown
A writer of songs about freedom and joy
A hall had been rented and I was presented
As the kind of a singer that all could enjoy
As I climbed up the stair to the stage that was there
It was obvious something was missing
I could tell by the vibe they wouldn't be bribed
They weren't in the mood to listen

They yelled out
Play me a rock 'n' roll song
Don't play me songs about freedom and joy
Play me a rock 'n' roll song
Or don't play me no song at all

I played them some songs about peace and contentment
The things that I've come to believe in
When I was through to a chorus of boo
Some track star yelled thank God he's leaving

Now someone play me a rock 'n' roll song
I've had it to here with your flowers and beads
Play me a rock 'n' roll song
Or don't play me no song at all

Well if I played you a rock 'n' roll song
It wouldn't be fair 'cause my head isn't there
So I'll leave you with your rock 'n' roll songs
And make my way back to the country

Still I hear play me a rock 'n' roll song
Don't give me music that I don't want to hear
Play me a rock 'n' roll song
Well I should have stayed at home with a big case of beer
Play me a rock 'n' roll song





Or don't play me no song at all

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Valdy's song "Rock'n'Roll Song" depict the experience of a musician who is invited to perform in a new town, but the reception of the crowd is not as warm as anticipated. The singer introduces himself as a renowned writer of songs about freedom and joy, but the audience is disappointed and demands to hear a rock 'n' roll song instead. Feeling the pressure to please the crowd, the singer tries to play songs about peace and contentment, but he is met with boos and jeers. He then realizes that he cannot force the audience to appreciate his music and decides to leave, concluding that he should have stayed in the country instead.


The lyrics demonstrate the tension that can arise between an artist's desire to express their own unique message and the expectations of the audience. The song also touches on the idea that music can be viewed as a commodity, with some listeners only interested in a certain genre or style rather than appreciating the artistry behind a specific piece. Ultimately, the lyrics convey the message that musicians should follow their own artistic vision rather than trying to please everyone.


Line by Line Meaning

I came into town as a man of renown
Valdy entered the town with a great reputation


A writer of songs about freedom and joy
He specializes in creating music that revolves around the concepts of happiness and liberation


A hall had been rented and I was presented
There was a venue arranged for him, where he was introduced as a performer


As the kind of a singer that all could enjoy
People were told that he is an artist that everyone can appreciate


As I climbed up the stair to the stage that was there
As he went upstairs to get to the stage that was set up


It was obvious something was missing
He could sense that something was not quite right


I could tell by the vibe they wouldn't be bribed
He realized that the audience was not interested in being influenced


They weren't in the mood to listen
People were not interested in hearing him


They yelled out
The crowd shouted


Play me a rock 'n' roll song
They requested him to perform a rock and roll song


Don't play me songs about freedom and joy
They didn't want to listen to songs that were uplifting


Or don't play me no song at all
They were so particular about their liking that they didn't want to hear anything else against it


I played them some songs about peace and contentment
Valdy then decided to play some songs that spoke about peace and tranquility


The things that I've come to believe in
These were things that he firmly believed in


When I was through to a chorus of boo
However, he was met with a negative response from people in the form of boos


Some track star yelled thank God he's leaving
Someone even said out loud that they were happy that he was leaving


Now someone play me a rock 'n' roll song
The audience had their heart set on a rock and roll song and they wanted someone to play it for them


I've had it to here with your flowers and beads
They were unhappy with the kind of music being played and wanted something different


Well if I played you a rock 'n' roll song
Valdy herself was not in a suitable state of mind to perform a rock and roll song


It wouldn't be fair 'cause my head isn't there
He felt that he was not in a good enough headspace to produce good quality rock and roll music


So I'll leave you with your rock 'n' roll songs
So, he decided to let them enjoy their music and leave the venue


And make my way back to the country
He returned to his country


Still I hear play me a rock 'n' roll song
However, even after he left, people were still requesting a rock and roll song


Don't give me music that I don't want to hear
They were very particular about the kind of music they wanted


Well I should have stayed at home with a big case of beer
They joked that they should have just stayed at home, drank beer and not come to the concert at all


Or don't play me no song at all
They would rather not hear anything if they couldn't hear the music they wanted to hear




Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: VALDEMAR HORSDAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@darrenh116

This is the most Canadian song of all time. Guy gets booed off stage and so he writes a fantastically self-deprecating song about the experience and ends off by saying he should have stayed home and drank beer. Brilliant.

@nancylivingstone4767

Just love this song

@nancylivingstone4767

love this song!

@horty519

Bad day at work and wanted to chill. Your comment made me laugh - thanks!

@EldestSauce

I think that line is about someone in the audience saying they should have stayed home, not Valdy.

@darrylpurcella2961

No l

3 More Replies...

@canucklehead11

I haven't heard this song in years, it just popped into my head for some reason. Great tune.

@vincentlussier8264

Brings me back to the early 70s when rock was at its very best!šŸ‡ØšŸ‡¦āœŒļø

@simonfettig1945

I just got to do sound for Valdy last night here in medicine hat. If you ever get a chance to see him it's 100% worth it. This man is the most kind hearted, down to earth person I've ever had the pleasure to work with. He loves what he does and it shows

@Hemingway2go

I LOVE this song. Used to listen to Canadian radio as a kid growing up in North Dakota and would pray that CKRC or CKY would play this one.

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