I read all about it in a magazine
I saw your picture in seventeen
Living the life the American dream
Oh, you're making it out
You're driving around in your beat up van
You're playing guitar in a rock and roll band
Living the life you're corsing the land
Oh you're making it out
Everybody wants some, now
Show the world what they're about
They want to know, how
They can make it out
They want to know know
Show the world what they're about
They want to know, how
They can make it out
You got your gold records in a six-foot frame
With a little brass base that displays your name
You're living the life of fortune, fame
Yeah you're making it out
You change your style 'cause your stuff won't sell
Now your hanging with Godson on TRL
Living the life, oh you can tell
You're making it out
Everybody wants some, now
Show the world what they're about
They want to know, how
They can make it out
They want to know know
Show the world what they're about
They want to know, how
They can make it out
(one, two, three, four!)
And you want some, now
Show the world what they're about
They want to know, how
They can make it out
You want to know, now
Show the world what they're about
They want to know, how
They can make it out
You wanna know
Rockstar Video
Rockstar Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Rockstar by NEEDTOBREATHE: A Journey of Fame and Identity
Introduction
In the song "Rockstar" by NEEDTOBREATHE, the band explores the journey of fame, success, and the search for identity. Throughout the song, the lyrics depict the desire for recognition and the pursuit of the American dream.
I. Verse 1: Living the American Dream
The opening lines of the song set the stage for the narrative. The lyrics state, "I read all about it in a magazine, I saw your picture in seventeen, Living the life the American dream, Oh, you're making it out." Here, the band highlights the allure of fame and success, as portrayed by media outlets. The reference to a magazine and seeing a picture in seventeen magazine suggests the idolization of celebrities and their enviable lifestyles. The protagonist of the song is yearning for the same level of recognition and success, believing it to be the ultimate fulfillment.
II. Verse 2: Chasing Success
The second verse delves deeper into the pursuit of success. The lyrics describe the protagonist's journey, stating, "You're driving around in your beat-up van, You're playing guitar in a rock and roll band, Living the life, you're crossing the land, Oh, you're making it out." Here, the band paints a picture of the sacrifices and hard work required to achieve success in the music industry. The image of driving around in a beat-up van and playing in small venues emphasizes the dedication and perseverance needed to chase one's dreams.
III. Chorus: The Desire for Recognition
The chorus of the song encapsulates the central desire for recognition and validation. The lyrics state, "Everybody wants some now, Show the world what they're about, They want to know how, They can make it out." This section highlights the universal desire for fame and the need to prove oneself to the world. It reflects the societal pressure to achieve success and the constant quest for validation.
IV. Verse 3: Fame and Fortune
In the third verse, the song takes a closer look at the consequences of fame and fortune. The lyrics state, "You got your gold records in a six-foot frame, With a little brass base that displays your name, Living the life of fortune, fame, Yeah, you're making it out." Here, the band depicts the material trappings of success, such as gold records and recognition. However, it also hints at the potential emptiness that can accompany fame and fortune, suggesting that true fulfillment may not be found in external achievements alone.
V. Bridge: Changing Identity
The bridge of the song explores the idea of changing one's identity to fit the mold of success. The lyrics state, "You change your style 'cause your stuff won't sell, Now you're hanging with Godson on TRL, Living the life, oh, you can tell, You're making it out." Here, the band touches on the pressure to conform and adapt in order to maintain success. The reference to changing one's style and hanging with popular figures like Godson on Total Request Live (TRL) reflects the need to stay relevant and appeal to a wider audience.
VI. Conclusion: The Quest for Recognition
The final repetition of the chorus brings the song to its conclusion, reiterating the universal desire for recognition and the pursuit of success. The lyrics state, "And you want some now, Show the world what they're about, They want to know how, They can make it out." This repetition emphasizes the ongoing quest for validation and the constant pressure to prove oneself in a world that values fame and success.
Meaning and Inspiration
"Rockstar" by NEEDTOBREATHE explores the journey of fame and success, highlighting the allure and pitfalls of the pursuit. The song reflects the universal desire for recognition and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. It delves into the sacrifices and challenges faced in the pursuit of success, as well as the potential emptiness that can accompany external achievements.
The inspiration behind the song is not explicitly stated by the band. However, it can be inferred that the lyrics draw from personal experiences and observations of the music industry. NEEDTOBREATHE, as a successful rock band, may have encountered the highs and lows of fame, which influenced their perspective on the subject matter.
Biblical Analysis
When analyzing the biblical alignment of "Rockstar," it is important to consider the themes of identity, contentment, and the pursuit of worldly success. While the song captures the universal desire for recognition, it also highlights the potential emptiness and lack of fulfillment that can come from external achievements alone. In the Bible, the pursuit of worldly success is often cautioned against, as it can distract from a deeper spiritual purpose.
1. Identity: The Bible teaches that our true identity is found in Christ. In Matthew 16:26, Jesus asks, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" The pursuit of fame and success should not define our worth or identity but should be secondary to our relationship with God.
2. Contentment: The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:11-12, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound." The song portrays the constant quest for recognition, which can lead to a lack of contentment. The biblical perspective encourages finding contentment in all circumstances, whether in success or in adversity.
3. Eternal Perspective: The pursuit of fame and success can be fleeting and temporary. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." The song alludes to the material trappings of success, but the biblical perspective reminds us to prioritize eternal treasures rather than temporary worldly achievements.
Conclusion
"Rockstar" by NEEDTOBREATHE explores the journey of fame and success, capturing the universal desire for recognition and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The song highlights the sacrifices and challenges faced in the pursuit of success, as well as the potential emptiness that can accompany external achievements. While the song reflects the realities of the music industry, it is important to maintain a biblical perspective on identity, contentment, and the pursuit of worldly success. Ultimately, our worth and fulfillment should be found in our relationship with God rather than in the fleeting recognition of the world.
