Rock Me Tonite

Billy Squier

About Rock Me Tonite

"Rock Me Tonite" is a hit song written and recorded by American rock artist Billy Squier. It was released in June 1984 as the lead single from his platinum-plus album Signs of Life. The song is Squier's highest charting U. S. single, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hitting the Top 10 on the Cash Box singles chart. It also returned him to #1 on the Top Rock Tracks chart in August 1984. Despite its major success, the song is sometimes associated with the end of Squier's career as a singles artist due to the music video, which was described as one of the worst ever in the 2011 book I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution. Directed by Kenny Ortega, it shows Squier dancing around a bed with pastel-colored satin sheets. Squier's concert ticket sales immediately suffered, and he later fired his managers. He has accused Ortega of deceiving him and altering his original concept, which Ortega denies. While Squier has remained steadfast that the video alone was responsible for the initial decline in his popularity, other commentators have been less certain. 


Year:
2008
60 
#3

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I'm rockin' tonite - I'm walkin' on air
Gonna find me some trouble - gonna grab my share
I want ya tonite - I want ya with me
Make me guilty of love in the first degree

You want it all right... we're goin' in style
Say you walk right - you talk right - and your hair's so wild
Snow-white - hey that's not what I mean
We go down in the shadows and crawl between

Moonlight in the city brings the magic to your eyes
Freezin' a moment - leave me paralyzed
Breathe an emotion - set it dancin' in my ear
Bring on the rhythm when I hold you near

Take me in your arms - roll me through the night
Take me to your heart - rock me tonite

You do it all right - you're passion to see
You been schooled in the art of romancin' me
Hold tight - you're in for a ride
Can you feel the blood poundin' way down inside

No one's stoppin' us now -
We go down, down where the music's loud
If it's all night - hey that's all right by me
Go and play on my love - play it all for me

Life's never easy - we can make it if we try
Takin' our chances - face 'em side by side
Live for the moment - on that we can agree
Come and take me where I long to be

Chorus

A time for all... and all in time
To slip beyond the border line
Of who we are and where we long to be...
When every night you hear the sound
Of wakin' up and breakin' down
You find a chance and heave it all away

Chorus

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Billy Squier

William Haislip "Billy" Squier (born May 12, 1950) is an American rock musician. Squier had a string of arena rock hits in the 1980s. He is best known for the song "The Stroke" on his 1981 album release Don't Say No. Other hits include "In the Dark", "Rock Me Tonite", "Lonely Is the Night", "My Kinda Lover", "Everybody Wants You", "All Night Long" and "Emotions in Motion". more »

3 fans

Written by: WILLIAM H SQUIER

Lyrics © Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Career Impact
"Rock Me Tonite" holds both the distinction of being Billy Squier's biggest hit and the song that arguably ended his career.
Chart Success
The song topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in 1984, making it Squier's second number one hit on this chart.
Album Ranking
It is the lead single from the multi-platinum album "Signs of Life."
MTV Controversy
Squier's original career downfall is often attributed to the music video of "Rock Me Tonite," which was heavily criticized at the time of its release. The video, which showed Squier dancing around in a bed with pastel-colored satin sheets, was considered embarrassing and was mocked by fans and critics alike.
Controversial Director
The music video was directed by Kenny Ortega, who would later become famous for directing the "High School Musical" series.
Television Appearance
Despite its controversial video, the song was featured in an episode of the hit TV show "Breaking Bad."
Cover Versions
"Rock Me Tonite" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including American punk rock band The Riverdales.
Song Meaning
Squier has stated in several interviews that the song is about the excitement of performing in front of live audiences.
Legacy
Despite the negative impact that "Rock Me Tonite" had on Squier's career, it has since been recognized as a classic 80's rock hit.
Record Label
"Rock Me Tonite" was released under the label, Capitol Records, which is considered one of the most important record labels in music history.

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    Rock Me Tonite

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    11,609     1,177

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1984

    Billboard #15


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