Introduction
In the heart of the 1970s, Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, released a song that captured the essence of his musical upbringing and the genre’s rebellious spirit. “Raised on Rock,” penned by Mark James, the same songwriter behind Elvis’s 1969 chart-topper “Suspicious Minds,” embodies the raw energy and infectious rhythm that defined the early days of rock and roll.
The song’s title itself serves as a declaration, a testament to Elvis’s deep connection to the genre that shaped his career and his personal identity. It’s a nostalgic journey back to his childhood days, where the sounds of Elvis’s idols, such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard, filled his ears and ignited his passion for music.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Elvis’s early musical experiences, depicting him “turning on the radio” to soak in the tunes that “made my idols made.” The song’s opening lines, “I remember as a child I used to hear / Music that they played Lord with a feel,” evoke the infectious and soulful melodies that captivated Elvis’s young heart.
As the song progresses, Elvis’s vocal delivery becomes more emphatic, mirroring the driving beat and the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. He declares, “I was raised on rock, I got rhythm in my soul,” establishing his deep connection to the genre and its transformative impact on his life.
The song’s catchy chorus, “I was raised on rock and roll, rock and roll, yeah,” becomes an anthem for Elvis and the countless others who found their voices and their passions through the rebellious energy of rock and roll. It’s a celebration of the genre’s enduring power to inspire and connect generations of fans.
“Raised on Rock” stands as a timeless testament to Elvis Presley’s musical roots and the profound influence of rock and roll on his life and career. It’s a song that continues to resonate with fans across generations, reminding them of the genre’s ability to ignite passion, break down barriers, and unite people through the power of music.
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Lyrics
I remember as a child I used to hearMusic that they played Lord with a feel’Some call it folk, some call it soulPeople let me tell you it was rock and rollI was raised on rock, I got rhythm in my soulEvery day when I got home I turned on my radioListening to the music that my idols madeI knew every single record the DJ’s playedA honky tonk a Hound Dog, a Johnny B. GoodeChain Gang, Love Is Strange, Knock On WoodI was raised on rock, I got rhythm in my soulI was born to love the beatI was made for rock and rollI thought it was a fad, thought that it would passBut the younger generation knew it would lastTime’s gone by, the beat goes onBut every time I hear it Lord it takes me homeI was raised on rock, I got rhythm in my soulEvery day when I got home I turned on my radioMother played recordings of Beethoven’s FifthMozart’s sonatas down the classical LisztMy papa loved to listen to his country songsWhile I was in the back room rockin’ onI was raised on rock, I got rhythm in my soulI was born to love the beatI was made for rock and rollI was raised on rock, I got rhythm in my soulI was born to love the beatI was made for rock and rollI was raised on rock, I got rhythm in my soul