Kiss – Detroit Rock City (official Video)
Inspiration Behind Detroit Rock City:
Paul Stanley and producer Bob Ezrin originally conceived Detroit Rock City to celebrate this American city. However, the lyrics evolved when a fan was killed in a car accident on the way to a Kiss concert in Charlotte, North Carolina. Subsequently, Detroit Rock City was transformed into a story blending celebration of life with a stark tragedy.
Biblical Application:
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins, James 5:19-20.
Exegesis of Detroit Rock City:
Controversial deal in another show of congressional reports
President Ford says that he’s disappointed with Congress’s performance
In Detroit, a Pontiac, Michigan youth was reported dead
At the scene of a head-on collision on Grand Avenue this morning
The youth was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the boulevard
When he struck a delivery truck and was catapulted through the windshield of his car
The driver of the truck is reported to be uninjured
The identities of both men are being withheld by local police
County legislatives today are expected to rally to the aid of striking Longshoremen
In hopes of ending the nine month deadlock
This story begins with breaking news about a controversial report by Congress. Like the beginning of local news in Detroit, headlines are read to grab your attention. The car accident death was likely altered since the KISS fan who died was going to a concert in North Carolina. The news ends with a story about port workers on the Great Lakes.
Roll all night and party every day
I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day
Breaking the levity and seriousness of the news with a call to have fun.
I feel uptight on a Saturday night
Nine o’clock, the radio’s the only light
I hear my song and it pulls me through
Comes on strong, tells me what I got to do
I got to
This stanza speaks of an era in radio that no longer exists. Radio stations in the 1970-1980’s played the same songs every hour, often in the same order. Subsequently, the band is waiting for their song to be played.
(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get down) everybody’s gonna leave their seat
A call to get into this concert, be an active participant.
You gotta lose your mind in Detroit Rock City
(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get down) everybody’s gonna leave their seat
Get into this music and let your body take over as you dance the night away.
Getting late, I just can’t wait
Ten o’clock and I know I gotta hit the road
First I drink, then I smoke
Start up the car, and I try to make the midnight show
Perhaps a reference to the fan who died on their way to see KISS live.
(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get down) everybody’s gonna leave their seat
Live life to its fullest.
Movin’ fast, doin’ 95
Hit top speed but I’m still movin’ much too slow
I feel so good, I’m so alive
I hear my song playin’ on the radio
It goes
Music, especially hearing your favorite song has a tendency to make drivers go faster.
(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get down) everybody’s gonna leave their seat
The chorus is repeated. First a story then a chorus.
12 o’clock, I gotta rock
There’s a truck ahead, lights starin’ at my eyes
Oh, my God, no time to turn
I got to laugh ’cause I know I’m gonna die
Why?
A warning to not drink and drive. KISS reached out to authorities or had a reporter collect as much information as possible to sing about this tragic death.
(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
(Get up) everybody’s gonna move their feet
Since life is fragile, get up and dance while you can.
Final Thoughts:
Between 5th grade through college, I lost a dozen classmates to car accidents. My senior year of high school, I was supposed to play a golfer who passed away the night before. When I was a youth pastor, the only time one of my students drove drunk, he passed away. Anyone not paying careful attention while driving puts their vehicle and passengers at risk. Sometimes a stupid mistake results in death. God gives all human beings free will, how you handle this is up to you. Be smart and sober when you drive.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 