So You Want to Be a Rock 'N' Roll Star
Underground Rad, The Byrds
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So you want to be a rock 'n' roll star? Then listen now to what I say Just get an electric guitar Then take some time And learn how to play And with your hair swung right And your pants too tight It's gonna be all right Then it's time to go downtown Where the agent man won't let you down Sell your soul to the company Who are waiting there to sell plastic ware And in a week or two If you make the charts The girls'll tear you apart The price you paid for your riches and fame Was it all a strange game? You're a little insane The money, the fame, the public acclaim Don't forget what you are You're a rock 'n' roll star!
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Written by: Chris Hillman, Roger McGuinn
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Songwriters"So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" was written by Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, who were members of the American rock band "The Byrds".
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Release DateThe song was first released in January 1967 as part of their fourth studio album, "Younger Than Yesterday".
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Genre"So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" is categorized under the rock genre and is known for its pioneering fusion of rock with elements of folk and country music.
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Chart PerformanceShortly after its release, the song peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Background and InspirationThe song is a satirical commentary on the manufactured nature of many pop bands at the time. It's inspired by the creation and marketing of The Monkees, a band that was created specifically for a TV show.
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Unique Musical ElementsHillman and McGuinn incorporated the sound of screaming teenage girls into the song, which was an uncommon element in music production during the 1960s.
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InstrumentalsHugh Masekela, a famous South African trumpeter, is featured in the song. His trumpet contributions gave the song a unique sound, adding to The Byrds' reputation for sonic innovation.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Patti Smith, Black Crowes, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
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InfluenceThe song became a popular live concert number for the Byrds and continues to be influential today, functioning as an anthem and commentary on the pervasive commercialism in pop music.
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Chris Hillman's RoleCo-writer Chris Hillman, known for his expertise in playing guitar and mandolin, played bass for The Byrds at the time of recording this song. Later in his career, he established himself as a cornerstone of the country-rock genre.
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Inclusion in FilmThe song was included in the soundtrack of the cult classic movie 'Easy Rider' and the popular TV show 'The Wonder Years.'
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Success as a SingleDespite the song performing moderately well on the charts, it is often considered one of The Byrds' most enduring and iconic songs.
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