Billy Joel’s 1980 hit, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” captures the enduring spirit of rock and roll amidst fleeting trends. The song’s lyrics address criticisms of Joel’s style, from his clothing and car to the music he listens to and the crowds he attracts. He defiantly declares that despite evolving fashions and changing tastes, it’s still rock and roll to him.
Defiance Against Changing Trends: Clothes, Cars, and Music
The song opens with questions about Joel’s attire, suggesting his tie is too wide and questioning his overall fashion sense. He humorously contemplates buying outdated clothing items like old tab collars, highlighting the cyclical nature of trends. The lyrics then transition to his car, deemed “out of style,” with suggestions to embrace bygone trends like white wall tires. Joel satirizes the pressure to conform to the latest fads, even in material possessions.
The criticism extends to music itself. The lyrics reference the “new sound” that everyone is talking about, contrasting it with Joel’s unwavering love for rock and roll. Whether it’s “hot funk,” “cool punk,” or even “old junk,” the core spirit of rock remains. This sentiment reflects a broader generational divide in musical preferences and the timeless appeal of rock and roll.
Rejecting Superficiality and Embracing Authenticity
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” isn’t just about music; it’s about authenticity. Joel dismisses the importance of media hype and manufactured trends, stating you can’t “get the sound from a story in a magazine.” He rejects the pressure to conform to superficial standards of coolness, emphasizing that true rock and roll transcends fleeting fashions. The song encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and resist the pressure to follow the crowd.
The lyrics further challenge superficiality by mocking the emphasis on looks and money. Joel suggests that true style isn’t about expensive clothes or fancy cars but about genuine self-expression. He humorously suggests outlandish fashion choices, like pink sidewinders and bright orange pants, to underscore the absurdity of chasing trends.
A Timeless Message of Rock and Roll Resilience
The song concludes by addressing criticisms of the crowd Joel attracts, implying they are “out of touch.” He rejects the notion that conforming to societal expectations is necessary for validation. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” champions independent thinking and staying true to oneself, regardless of external pressures. The repeated phrase, “It’s still rock and roll to me,” reinforces the song’s central theme: rock and roll is a spirit, an attitude, a way of life that transcends trends and remains relevant across generations. This message resonates with listeners who value authenticity and the enduring power of rock music. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” remains a timeless anthem for those who refuse to be defined by fleeting fads.
