She was just sixteen and all alone
When I came to be
So we grew up together
My mama child and me
Now things were bad and she was scared
But whenever I would cry
She'd calm my fears and dry my tears
With a rock and roll lullaby
And she'd sing sha na na na na na na na na
It'll be all right
Sha na na na na na na na na na
Just hold on tight
Sing it to me mama, mama mama mama
Sing it sweet and clear
Oh, mama let me hear that old rock and roll lullaby
Now, we made it through the lonely days
But Lord the nights were long
And we'd dream of better moments
When mama sang her song
Now I can't recall the words at all
It don't make sense to try
'Cause I just knew lots of love came through
In that rock and roll lullaby
And she'd sing sha na na na na na na na na
It'll be all right
Sha na na na na na na na na na
Just hold on tight
I can hear you mama, mama mama mama
Nothing moves my soul
Like the sound of a good old rock and roll lullaby
It'll be alright
Just hold on tight
Mama, mama, mama
Nothing moves my soul
Like the sound of a good old rock and roll lullaby
It'll be alright
Just hold on tight
Sing it sweet and clear
Rock and Roll Lullaby Video
Rock and Roll Lullaby Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Rock and Roll Lullaby" by B.J. Thomas is a song that beautifully narrates the power of love, resilience, and the comfort found in music. This song, written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and produced by Steve Tyrell, was released in 1972 and quickly became a hit, showcasing Thomas's emotive vocal delivery. Its narrative and sonic elements provide a rich tapestry for analysis, touching on themes that resonate with Christian values of faith, hope, and love.
### Narrative and Meaning:
The song tells the story of a young woman, just sixteen, who finds herself alone and pregnant. Despite the challenges and societal judgment she faces, she raises her child with love and strength. The lullaby she sings to her child, infused with the spirit of rock and roll, becomes a symbol of unwavering love and comfort amid adversity.
### Lyrics Breakdown:
- **Early Struggles and the Lullaby's Introduction**: The song begins by setting the scene of a young mother facing the daunting task of raising a child on her own. The lullaby she sings is not just a means to calm her child but also a metaphor for the soothing power of love and music in the face of hardship.
- **The Chorus ("Sha na na na na...")**: The chorus, with its repetitive and melodic "sha na na na" lines, represents the universality and timeless nature of a mother's love. It's a musical embrace, offering reassurance that "It'll be all right" and to "Just hold on tight," echoing the sentiments of hope and perseverance found in Scripture.
- **Growth and Resilience**: As the child grows, the song reflects on the journey of the mother and child, facing "lonely days" and "long nights" together. The strength of the mother, supported by her unwavering love and the rock and roll lullaby, symbolizes the growth and resilience both have developed over time.
### Biblical References:
Several Bible verses resonate with the themes presented in "Rock and Roll Lullaby," reflecting the Christian values of faith, hope, and love in the face of adversity:
- **1 Corinthians 13:7 (Love Endures All Things)**: "It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." This verse mirrors the mother's unwavering love and perseverance despite the challenges she faces.
- **Psalm 23:4 (Comfort in Adversity)**: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." The lullaby can be seen as a source of comfort and reassurance, much like the presence of God in difficult times.
- **Philippians 4:13 (Strength Through Faith)**: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." The story of the young mother's resilience and ability to overcome adversity with love reflects the strength that faith provides.
"Rock and Roll Lullaby" transcends its narrative to deliver a message of hope, love, and the comforting power of music. It reminds listeners of the enduring strength found in the bond between a parent and child, and the resilience that can be summoned with love and faith. Through its storytelling, the song touches on themes that align with Christian values, offering a musical testament to the power of perseverance and the universal comfort found in a lullaby's embrace.
