The Meaning Behind The Song: I Love Rock And Roll by Joan Jett
One of the most iconic songs in rock music history is “I Love Rock and Roll” by Joan Jett. The song was released in 1982 and became an instant hit, reaching number one on the charts and earning Jett a place in rock and roll history. But what is the meaning behind this song? Why has it become such a beloved anthem for rock fans everywhere? In this article, we will explore the lyrics of “I Love Rock and Roll” and uncover the message that Joan Jett was trying to convey.
Introduction to Joan Jett
Before we dig into the lyrics of the song, it is important to understand who Joan Jett is and what she represents. Joan Jett began her music career in the 1970s as a member of the all-female band The Runaways. The band achieved some measure of success, but Jett knew that she wanted to do something more. In 1980, she formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and embarked on a solo career.
Joan Jett’s music is characterized by its raw energy and rebellious attitude. She was never afraid to speak her mind or challenge the status quo. Her music represented a break from the established norms of the music industry at the time, which was dominated by male musicians and male-dominated genres like heavy metal and punk rock. Joan Jett was one of the first female musicians to break into these genres, and she paved the way for countless other women who would follow in her footsteps.
The Lyrics of “I Love Rock and Roll”
Now that we have a better understanding of who Joan Jett is, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of “I Love Rock and Roll.” The song begins with the iconic opening riff, which is instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever heard it.
I saw him dancin’ there by the record machine
I knew he must a been about seventeen
The beat was goin’ strong
Playin’ my favorite song
And I could tell it wouldn’t be long
Till he was with me, yeah me
These opening lines set the scene for the song. Joan Jett is at a bar or club, and she sees a boy who catches her eye. She is drawn to him because he loves the same music that she does. The “record machine” represents the jukebox, which was a common feature in bars and clubs in the 1980s. Jett is immediately attracted to the boy because he shares her love of rock and roll, and she feels that they have a connection.
I love rock and roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock and roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
The chorus of the song is where we get the iconic phrase “I love rock and roll.” Jett is declaring her love for the genre and inviting the boy to dance with her. The line “put another dime in the jukebox, baby” is a reference to the fact that playing a song on a jukebox used to cost a dime. Jett is saying that she is willing to keep playing songs all night if it means she can keep dancing with the boy.
He smiled so I got up and asked for his name
But that don’t matter, he said, ’cause it’s all the same
Said, can I take you home
Where we can be alone
And next we’re movin’ on
He was with me, yeah me
In the second verse, Jett approaches the boy and asks for his name. He tells her that it doesn’t matter, because they have a connection through their shared love of rock and roll. He suggests that they go home together, and Jett agrees. The rest of the verse is a description of the two of them leaving the bar and heading somewhere more private. Again, Jett emphasizes the fact that the two of them are connected through their love of rock and roll.
The Message of “I Love Rock and Roll”
So, what is the message that Joan Jett is trying to convey with this song? On the surface, “I Love Rock and Roll” is a simple love song about two people connecting over their shared love of music. But there is also a deeper message at play.
Throughout her career, Joan Jett has been a champion of rock and roll music and the culture surrounding it. She believes that rock and roll is more than just a genre of music – it is a way of life. With “I Love Rock and Roll,” Jett is celebrating the power of music to bring people together and create connections.
But there is also a feminist message at play here. At the time that “I Love Rock and Roll” was released, the music industry was still very much dominated by men. Female musicians were often marginalized or dismissed, and there were few opportunities for women to succeed in genres like heavy metal and punk rock.
Joan Jett was one of the first women to break into these genres, and she did so on her own terms. She refused to conform to the expectations that were placed on her as a female musician, and instead embraced the raw, rebellious spirit of rock and roll. With “I Love Rock and Roll,” Jett is declaring her independence and her right to rock out just like any man.
Conclusion
“I Love Rock and Roll” by Joan Jett is a song that has stood the test of time. It is a celebration of the power of music to bring people together and create connections. But it is also a feminist anthem that challenges the male-dominated norms of the music industry. With this song, Joan Jett proved that women can rock just as hard as any man, and she paved the way for future generations of female musicians to follow in her footsteps.
