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
Album Release"And the Cradle Will Rock..." was released by the band Van Halen on March 26, 1980. It served as the lead single from their third studio album, "Women and Children First”.
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Performance SpecificationThis was the band's first song where Eddie Van Halen played a keyboard, contrary to the common belief that his first keyboard-playing was on the 1984 number one hit “Jump”.
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Production FactsIt's the first Van Halen album to be recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood. Prior albums had been recorded at Sunset’s sister studio, Warner Bros. Records Recording Studios.
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Unique MethodThe keyboard in the song was played through a guitar amp, to give it a more abrasive sound. This often led to people mistaking it for a guitar.
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Musical SequenceThe song is known for its unique opening, which features the sound of a Wurlitzer electric piano being played through a flanger, which gives the intro its oscillating, futuristic sound.
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Chart PerformanceThe song reached number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making a modest commercial impact upon its release.
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Lyrics InsightThe lyrics "Have you seen Junior's grades?" and the title itself are a reference to the social and political unrest at the time, criticizing those who blindly follow others without thinking for themselves.
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Live PerformanceVan Halen often used "And The Cradle Will Rock..." to open their concerts during the 1980s. David Lee Roth, the band's frontman, would often comment to the crowd, "Look at all the people here tonight!" as the song began to play.
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Radio DebutDavid Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen debuted the song on the radio before its release. However, the song was not completely finished in its production, hence what listeners heard was different from the final album version.
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Iconic Guitar SoloThe guitar solo in 'And the Cradle Will Rock…' is regarded as one of the best Eddie Van Halen solos, demonstrating his remarkable technique and melodic sense.
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Album ArtworkThe album artwork for “Women and Children First”, which featured "And the Cradle Will Rock...", included a photograph of the band and a poster saying “No Bozos”. This has since become iconic in rock history.
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Song Lineup"And the Cradle Will Rock..." is a song by American rock group Van Halen. It was the first single from their 1980 album "Women and Children First."
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Chart PerformanceUpon release, this song reached 55th spot on Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for a total of 11 weeks.
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Unique Album FeatureThis song is the opening track of "Women and Children First" album, which was the band's first album not to have any cover songs.
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Instrumental peculiarityIt is known for its guitar solo played through a MXR Phase 90. However, it has been mistaken as a keyboard-driven song due to the use of the Phase 90 pedal that makes the guitar sound more synthetic.
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Specialized TechniqueEddie Van Halen, the band's guitarist, clearly used a Wurlitzer electric piano in the song's introduction, demonstrating his versatility as a musician.
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Exclusive Song Writing"And The Cradle Will Rock..." was the first song that was solely written by lead vocalist David Lee Roth and guitarist Eddie Van Halen, which marked a shift from their earlier albums where bassist Michael Anthony and drummer Alex Van Halen also had writing contributions.
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Unusual Performing mediumThe song was one of the first to be played on the air at rock station KROQ in Pasadena, California, which played a major role in identifying and promoting new wave and alternative bands in the 80s.
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Live Performance StrategyThe band often performed this song live. During concerts, after the song, the band segued into the opening riff for "Everybody Wants Some!!," the following track on "Women and Children First."
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Song Interpretation"And The Cradle Will Rock..." lyrics hint towards the younger generation breaking free from the rules imposed by the previous generation. Thus, it is often viewed as a youth rebellion anthem.
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Cover VersionsAlthough most known as a Van Halen hit, many other artists including Billy Joel and Black Country Communion have performed cover versions of "And The Cradle Will Rock..."
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Citation
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