And the Cradle Will Rock
Van Halen
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Ow Oh yeah, get up Ow (yeah) Ow ow Well, they say it's kinda frightnin' How this younger generation swings You know it's more than just some new sensation Well, the kid is into losin' sleep And he don't come home for half the week You know it's more than just an aggravation And the cradle will rock Yes the cradle, cradle will rock And I say rock on uh rock on And when some local kid gets down They try an' drum him outta town They say, ya coulda least faked it boy, fake it, boy (oh stranger, boy) At an early age he hits the street Winds up tired with who he meets An' he's unemployed (unemployed) ow And the cradle will rock ow And the cradle, the cradle will rock An' I say rock on oh, say, rock on Have you seen junior's grades? (oh) Ow And when some local kid gets down They try an' drum him outta town They say, ya could've least faked it, boy faked it, boy And so an early age he hits the street 'N winds up tired with who he meets An' he's unemployed his folks are overjoyed And the cradle will rock Yes the cradle, cradle will rock I say rock on, hey rock on Rock on, rock on, rock on (his ain't never been new, babe, child ow) Rock on (wow I said) Rock on, rock on Rock on oh, on on on Rock on Rock on Rock on Rock on
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.jpg/300px-Van_Halen_in_concert_(20241474465).jpg "Van Halen")
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Written by: Alex Van Halen, Edward Van Halen, David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
21 facts about this song
Song Identity"And the Cradle Will Rock" is a song by American rock band Van Halen. Released on their 1980 album "Women and Children First."
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Chart PerformanceDespite being a somewhat controversial song due to its lyrics, "And the Cradle Will Rock" was Van Halen's first song to reach the top 20 on the Billboard Rock Tracks chart.
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Unique Sound ProductionThe song began with what many fans thought was a guitar, but was, in fact, a phase-shifter-effected Wurlitzer electric piano played through Eddie Van Halen's 1960s model 100-watt Marshall Plexi amplifier.
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ConceptionThe song's lyrics were inspired by the one-room schoolhouse days where children of all ages were in one class together, hence the 'cradle to grave' imagery.
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Innovative TechniquesDespite Van Halen being known for their guitar-driven sound, "And the Cradle Will Rock" stands out because it is the first Van Halen song not to feature a guitar solo from Eddie Van Halen.
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SymbolismThe lyrics of the song are interpreted as a commentary on the young generation of rock and rollers that were, according to the band, being pacified by society.
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Album Identity"And the Cradle Will Rock" opened Side Two of the 'Women and Children First’ album and was also the first single released from that album.
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RecognitionThe song has become a fan favorite and is often played live in concerts by Van Halen.
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Cover VersionsSeveral bands and artists have covered "And the Cradle Will Rock", including notable musicians like Billy Joel.
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Cultural Impact"And the Cradle Will Rock" remains a classic in rock music and continues to be played on classic rock radio stations, maintaining its influence decades after its original release.
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Album Release"And the Cradle Will Rock" is the lead single from Van Halen's 1980 album, “Women and Children First.”
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Band LineupThe track features band members David Lee Roth on vocals, Eddie Van Halen on guitars, Michael Anthony on bass guitar, and Alex Van Halen on drums.
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SongwritingWritten by the band's vocalist David Lee Roth along with Eddie Van Halen, the song carries Roth's distinctive signature style.
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Adult ThemeIt is believed the song delves into the idea that younger generations are catching onto the hypocrisy and lies of the older generation.
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Unusual SoundThis was the first Van Halen song to feature a keyboard, yet the sound was so heavily distorted that many fans, at first, assumed it was a guitar.
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Chart Performance"And the Cradle Will Rock" marked a milestone for Van Halen as their first song to reach the Billboard Top 20, peaking at No. 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Album CoverThe cover art for "Women and Children First" features an actual photo of a woman and child during an air raid in World War II. The child is seen cradling an infant -- possibly alluding to the song's title.
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Artistic DifferencesThe song's progressive elements, such as the use of keyboards, hinted at the growing creative tensions between David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen, which would ultimately lead to Roth's departure from the band.
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Musical InfluenceLater artists such as Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins have cited "And the Cradle Will Rock" as one of the songs that influenced their own musical style.
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Live PerformancesDespite the departure of David Lee Roth from Van Halen, "And the Cradle Will Rock" remained a staple in the band's live performances over the years.
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In Popular CultureThe song was also featured in the 2001 comedy-drama film "Rock Star."
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Citation
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"And the Cradle Will Rock Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34238165/Van+Halen/And+the+Cradle+Will+Rock>.
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