The Meaning Behind The Song: Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant
Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant is a timeless classic released back in 1982. The song is more relevant than ever in today’s world, and it has become an anthem for equality, justice, and change. Electric Avenue is a masterpiece, and it delves into topics of racism, inequality, and social injustice in a thought-provoking manner. In this article, we explore the history and the background of the song, the lyrics, and the message intertwined, which made Electric Avenue so popular.
The Origin of Electric Avenue
Eddy Grant, a British singer, songwriter, and musician, originally came from Guyana, a former British colony in South America. Grant experienced first hand racial tension and discrimination growing up, especially after migrating to the UK in the late 1960s. He created Electric Avenue in 1982 after the disturbances and riots in London that took place two years earlier, in the Brixton area, where Grant lived.
The street called Electric Avenue is located in Brixton, near the epicentre of the Brixton riots. The street was named after the first market to be lit by electricity in the 1880s. Electric Avenue is still there today, and it has become a popular tourist attraction in London. At the time of writing the song, Electric Avenue was a vibrant and lively place, rich in African-Caribbean culture, and one of the few places where the black community felt safe from police harassment.
The Lyrics of Electric Avenue – Breaking Down the Message
Electric Avenue’s lyrics are catchy and resonate with the dancehall beat of the music, but the message is far from light-hearted. The lyrics provide a window into Grant’s life, his experiences, and the struggles that the black community had to face on a daily basis. The lyrics are a call to arms to fight against inequality, injustice and racial discrimination.
Electric Avenue opens with the line, “Down in the street, there is violence.” This line is significant and sets the tone for the rest of the song. Grant is pointing at the violence that is happening in the streets of Brixton after the riots and the social injustices that have led to them. The next line, “And a lot of work to be done,” is a call to action and an invitation to join the fight against the status quo and to work towards a society where all are equal.
The chorus, “We gonna rock down to Electric Avenue, and then we’ll take it higher,” is a statement of intent and a rally cry for change. The line “Take it higher” is emblematic of the aspiration for a better future, a future where people of all races and backgrounds can coexist and thrive on an equal footing. The repetition of “rock down to” has become synonymous with Electric Avenue and is an indication of the relevance of the song for generations to come.
In the second verse, Grant highlights the frustrated attitude towards the Government’s lack of engagement and inability to help the communities. The song lyrics, “They say we’re going to ruin, but ah-ah, we’re too busy singing,” is alluding to the black community’s stance towards the authorities. It is a statement to the Government that the black community won’t be silenced, nor would they balk in the face of the adversity they go through daily.
The chorus and the verse’s lyrics work perfectly together, and they convey a message of empowerment to those who feel underrepresented, underserved and treated unfairly. The song also draws attention to the police’s involvement with the black community and the racism they faced, through “Who is to blame in one country, never can get to the one, dealing in multiplication and they still can’t feed everyone.”
Impact and Popularity of Electric Avenue
Electric Avenue was an instant classic and went on to become one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s. The song peaked at number two on the UK singles chart and reached numbers 3 in the US Chart. The song’s profound message had a far-reaching effect, and it became an anthem for the oppressed and those fighting against injustice worldwide.
Over the years, Electric Avenue has been covered by numerous artists, keeping the song relevant despite the ever-changing music industry. It has been sampled by several musicians, including Wyclef Jean, who used it in his hit single, “Gone till November.”
Furthermore, Grant’s iconic song has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including 1998’s The Wedding Singer, and 2001’s Shrek.
Conclusion
Electric Avenue by Eddy Grant is more relevant today than it was in 1982. The song’s message is still resonating with people worldwide; it’s a testimony to the power of music, as it can leave a lasting impact on society. The song’s lyrics are personal, poignant, purposeful and empowering, and it has become an anthem for change. Electric Avenue is a masterpiece, and it serves as a constant reminder that we all have a duty, regardless of our differences, to fight against injustice, discrimination, and social inequality.
