The Who: Long Live Rock Meaning
Song Released: 1979
Long Live Rock Lyrics
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On the overall this song to me is about THE WHO, who were still encouraging us, their fans to still enjoy the music of Rock ''be it dead or alive'' that in reality did gradually stopped rolling, to only be thrown down and around Their heads since the changing times of the mid sixties. With the Marxist cultural left and their folkish Jesuit Jewhooing appearances. Along with the Beatles new cultural psychedelic switch change of the lsd experience in their music and all that blue jazz that began with the Sgt. Pepper and the Mystery tour albums. By which gradually was beginning to change and kill the roots of authentic rock and roll. Where later Bruce Springsteen was trying to keep it alive, real and meaningful for the soul of the young working men that also loved to kneel in prayer in those days. But around the same time the Punk Movement Sound and Their attitude came along and rebelled against ''all the rest of rock'' and roll of liberalism turned left with glamour that wasn't authentic and real for them anymore.
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This song is about the members of the who, and their strong need for rock and roll. "Rock is dead" they say in the song, which is them saying that the more popular music was growing outside of rock. "Come on and join the light" roger sings, saying that they believe rock is the light, or high point, in music, and they want others to join them in rock and roll. They don't care if rock is dead or alive, just as long as it lives forever inside of the people.
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Amazing parallels to the events surrounding the Jim Morrison Miami debacle in which the Doors singer is accused of exposing himself to the audience at a live performance.
While the song was not release until some years later, it was penned a short time after the Miami incident.
"Someone takes his pants off" obvious reference to Morrison.
"Rock is Dead" - basically the party is over given that the aftermath of the Doors show resulted in cancellation of shows, increased security and insurance and contractual obligations for The Doors and many rock bands.
"...rock was pushing out x-rated" another clear reference to indecent exposure.
"cymbal fell and cut the lamps" - symbolically its a dark age, literally the Morrison event took place in a dark, sweaty arena.
"people dance right into the isles" the Miami concert was oversold, crowded and unruly.
Finally,"long live rock" is typical WHO screw you attitude. ..some might think rock has suffered a knockout blow, but Townshend and company have something to say about that.
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