By: Michael D. Vogel

© September 5, 2009. Michael D. Vogel.  All Rights Reserved.

So, what exactly is the Rock and Roll mantra?

Well. as the poet Mick Jagger pontificated, “…it’s only rock and roll – but I like it…” (“It’s Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)”, It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll, 1974).  

But, in order to truly understand what this means, let’s start with a little story.

Little Stevie was only 10 years old when a man stopped him at a Black Sabbath concert and asked, “Young man, do you accept Rock and Roll as your mantra”?

“Of course I do,” he answered. And with that, the man shouted for all to hear, “Another soul saved by Rock and Roll!”

Is salvation really that simple, though? Fred Durst exclaimed that “…life is a lesson, you’ll learn it when you’re threw…” (“Take A Look Around” Mission:Impossible 2 [Original Soundtrack]/Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, 2000) Following that logic, are we already doomed by the course of action we take, or are we actually liberated by these life lessons? If that is the case, then by understanding and practicing these lessons, are we in reality on the road towards nirvana? Most importantly, what does ‘Accepting Rock and Roll’ truly mean? Many people want the blessings but do not want the responsibility of following and obeying Rock and Roll.

Yet, Rob Halford of Judas Priest said, “…put yourself in our hands and our voices will be heard and together we will take on all the world…” (“Take On the World”, Killing Machine, 1979)

But, as the mighty Zeppelin states if “…it’s been a long time since (you) rock and rolled…a long time since I did the stroll…” (“Rock And Roll”, Led Zeppelin IV, 1971), then maybe you have some reservations. While there are some bands that say things that raise serious questions about what we’ve been taught about Rock and Roll, many people seem to have little or no intention of either following or learning from what the music has taught us. In spite of that, Slayer have boldly pronounced, “…you will be saved at any cost!…” (“Jesus Saves”, Reign In Blood, 1986)

So how can we truly tell if we have been saved? The great philosopher Ozzy Osbourne once said, “…you can’t kill Rock & Roll – it’s here to stay!…” (“You Can’t Kill Rock & Roll”, Diary Of A Madman, 1981) This man has suffered at the hands of many cruel and heartless people, yet he is still with us today – with millions continuing to be influenced by his words and music.

This is what Rock and Roll is all about. It is not about piercings, tattoos, or the clothes you wear. No, it’s about your heart and your soul! If you care more about your clothes or hair or how much money you have in the bank, you will not be saved by Rock and Roll!

How will we know when it’s time for Rock and Roll to save us, then? Phil Anselmo of Pantera blatantly offers that it is really just “…a lesson learned in life – known from the dawn of time…” (“Walk”, Vulgar Display Of Power, 1992). In the end though, when you are ready, the music will know. As Robert Plant so eloquently sermonized,”…your stairway lies on the whispering wind…” (“Stairway to Heaven”, Led Zeppelin IV, 1971). The music can see within your soul and know if you truly love Rock and Roll!

When exactly is the time coming, then? The time is now, according to Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P. “…the time is right for you to stand on your feet and answer the call!…” (“The Last Command”, The Last Command, 1985).

So if you follow the music then Rock and Roll will show you the way! “…so it is written, so it shall be done!…” (“Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son”, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, Iron Maiden, 1988)

(*Excerpts taken from PistOn’s ‘Saves’ EP, 2000)  ^m^

© September 5, 2009. Michael D. Vogel.  All Rights Reserved. This originally appeared on the Vogelism blog at https://www.vogelism.com, authored by Michael D. Vogel. This article may be shared or reprinted as long as the entire copyright message, including the source location of this article, accompanies it.