Inspiration Behind I Love Rock N’ Roll:
The inspiration behind Joan Jett’s song is an evolution of artists who sought to compose a rock song that would stand the test of time. This quest began with the Rolling Stones song “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It). Upon hearing this, The Arrows lead singer Alan Merrill was inspired to create a modern equivalent. This spawned I Love Rock N’ Roll which Joan Jett made famous.
Biblical Application:
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:15-20.
Exegesis of I Love Rock N’ Roll:
I saw him dancin’ there by the record machine
I knew he must’ve been about 17
The beat was goin’ strong
Playin’ my favorite song
The opening stanza takes listeners b ack to a time period when diners and restaurants either had a jukebox per booth or a large one where music could be played while you were waiting for your food to arrive. Joan observes a teenager dancing next to a jukebox. The selected song had a great beat and was Joan’s favorite song.
And I could tell it wouldn’t be long
‘Til he was with me, yeah, me
And I could tell it wouldn’t be long
‘Til he was with me, yeah, me, singin’
Whether this was love at first sight or two fans coming together to celebrate their favorite song, Joan had a feeling that they would soon be together singing on the dance floor.
“I love rock ‘n roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock ‘n roll
So come and take your time and dance with me”
Ow!
Before apps, computers, and music devices, teenagers gathered around a radio listening to their local station, waiting to hear their new favorite song. Back in the early 1980’s, the only way to hear an entire album was go to the mall to purchase a tape cassette or vinyl record. The less a song was played, the more excited you were to hear it once your radio station played it. The jukebox was the social center of an establishment. Hit songs were played over and over again.
He smiled, so I got up and asked for his name
“That don’t matter”, he said, “‘Cause it’s all the same”
Said, “Can I take you home where we can be alone?”
Normally, guys would wait for a slow song before asking a girl to dance. However, in this case, the bond for music created an instant connection between these two.
And next, we were movin’ on, he was with me, yeah, me
Next, we were movin’ on, he was with me, yeah, me, singin’
Joan’s dream came true, now a couple thanks to a common interest in the same artist.
“I love rock ‘n roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock ‘n roll
So come and take your time and dance with me”
Ow!
Music is a way to celebrate life.
Said, “Can I take you home where we can be alone?
Next, we were movin’ on, he was with me, yeah, me
And we’ll be movin’ on and singin’ that same old song
Yeah, with me, singin’
Love and relationships can happen fast when you share a common interest.
“I love rock ‘n roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock ‘n roll
So come and take your time and dance with me”
Music can unite people.
I love rock ‘n roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock ‘n roll
So come and take your time and dance with-
This repetitive chorus encourages listeners to dance.
I love rock ‘n roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock ‘n roll
So come and take your time and dance with-
I love rock ‘n roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock ‘n roll
So come and take your time and dance with-
There was a time when local high schools had a dance every month. These events were like scenes from Footloose as teenagers express their individuality through dancing. Dancing alone is awkward, but when you are with someone else it’s easier to stay on beat and get in a groove.
I love rock ‘n roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock ‘n roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
Joan sings about a time in America that doesn’t exist anymore as teenagers are too distracted by their phones and social media. Social interaction has been lost and stunted due to the lack of hangouts that exist centered around music.
Final Thoughts:
I was an extremely shy teenager until I went to my first high school dance as a sophomore. Although I didn’t know what I was doing, I tried to emulate my cross-country teammates. Once I learned how to dance by developing my own unique moves, I became confident like Joan, seeing myself with someone I liked, no longer afraid to ask a girl to dance during a ballad.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 