and the Cradle Will Rock

Van Halen

About and the Cradle Will Rock

"And the Cradle Will Rock..." is a song written and performed by Van Halen. It appears on their 1980 album Women and Children First. It was one of two singles from the album; the other is the B-side "Everybody Wants Some!!". It is also the first song released by the band that featured the keyboard playing of Eddie Van Halen.


Year:
1999
4:20
247 
#1

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Well, they say it's kinda fright'nin' 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 will rock.
And I say, rock on!
Rock on!

And when some local kid gets down, they try and drum him out of town.
They say, "You coulda least faked it, boy."
At an early age he hits the street and winds up tied with who he meets,
and he's unemployed.

And the cradle will rock.
Yeah, the cradle will rock.
And I say, rock on!
Rock on!

Have you seen Junior's grades?
And when some local kid gets down, they try and drum him out of town.
They say, "You coulda least faked it, boy."
At an early age he hits the street and winds up tied with who he meets,
and he's unemployed. His folks are overjoyed.

And the cradle will rock.
Yeah, the cradle will rock.
And I say, rock on!

Rock on!
Rock on!
Rock on!

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Van Halen

Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. Its 1978 debut album, Van Halen—featuring guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony—is widely considered to be among the most "original" and "revolutionary" albums to "change rock and roll." more »

4 fans

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."
Chart Performance
Despite 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.
Unique Sound Production
The 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.
Conception
The 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.
Innovative Techniques
Despite 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.
Symbolism
The 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.
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.
Recognition
The song has become a fan favorite and is often played live in concerts by Van Halen.
Cover Versions
Several bands and artists have covered "And the Cradle Will Rock", including notable musicians like Billy Joel.
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.
Album Release
"And the Cradle Will Rock" is the lead single from Van Halen's 1980 album, “Women and Children First.”
Band Lineup
The 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.
Songwriting
Written by the band's vocalist David Lee Roth along with Eddie Van Halen, the song carries Roth's distinctive signature style.
Adult Theme
It is believed the song delves into the idea that younger generations are catching onto the hypocrisy and lies of the older generation.
Unusual Sound
This 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.
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.
Album Cover
The 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.
Artistic Differences
The 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.
Musical Influence
Later 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.
Live Performances
Despite 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.
In Popular Culture
The song was also featured in the 2001 comedy-drama film "Rock Star."

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