About the song
Ah, yes, Bob Seger’s iconic anthem, “Old Time Rock and Roll”. This song, released in 1979 from Seger’s album Stranger in Town, transcended generations to become a timeless classic. Seger, a stalwart of American rock with a career spanning over six decades, is known for his gritty vocals, poignant lyrics, and his ability to capture the essence of working-class life.
“Old Time Rock and Roll” isn’t just a song; it’s a potent reminder of a bygone era. Seger, a self-proclaimed “kid from the Motor City” (Detroit, Michigan), injects the track with a heavy dose of nostalgia, yearning for a simpler time when rock and roll pulsated with raw energy and unadulterated emotion.
The song opens with a bluesy piano riff, setting the stage for Seger’s gravelly voice. He paints a picture of a bygone era, a time when transistor radios blared the sounds of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis. These were the pioneers who laid the foundation for rock and roll, and Seger expresses a deep respect for their unbridled sound.
“Old Time Rock and Roll” isn’t merely a celebration of a musical genre; it’s a commentary on the evolution of music and the cultural landscape. Seger laments the state of contemporary music, which he perceives as lacking the grit and soul of its predecessors. The lyrics, “turned on some music, pop tunes all I found” express his disappointment with the current trends, yearning for the days when rock and roll wasn’t afraid to get its hands dirty.
There’s a palpable sense of frustration in Seger’s voice when he sings, “Got me sittin’ here restlessly / tappin’ my feet to the radio.” He craves the raw energy and emotional catharsis that only classic rock and roll can provide. The song becomes a rallying cry for those who share Seger’s sentiment, a call to arms for a return to the unpretentious, heart-pounding rock and roll of yesteryear.
However, “Old Time Rock and Roll” isn’t simply a lament for a lost era. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music. Seger sings, “But when that old time rock and roll / comes roarin’ out the radio / Well, then I can’t help but tap my feet.” This line underscores the timeless appeal of classic rock and roll. It’s a genre that transcends generations, a language that speaks to the soul regardless of age or background.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to resonate with listeners. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt alienated by the mainstream, who craves authenticity and raw emotion in their music. “Old Time Rock and Roll” is a timeless classic, a celebration of a genre that continues to inspire and energize music lovers across the globe.
Video
Lyrics
“Old Time Rock And Roll”
I’ll sit and listen to ’em by myself
Today’s music ain’t got the same soul
I like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Don’t try to take me to a disco
You’ll never even get me out on the floor
In ten minutes I’ll be late for the door
I like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Still like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes my soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Won’t go to hear ’em play a tango
I’d rather hear some blues or funky old soul
There’s only one sure way to get me to go
Start playing old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Call me a relic, call me what you will
Say I’m old-fashioned, say I’m over the hill
Today’s music ain’t got the same soul
I like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Still like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes the soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Still like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes my soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Still like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes my soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Still like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
That kind of music just soothes my soul
I reminisce about the days of old
With that old-time rock ‘n’ roll
Still like that old-time rock ‘n’ roll