Hot Rods and Rock and Roll
Around 35 years ago, a generation had begun which brought forth a new sense of culture to society. The United States had moved from World War II and was beginning to rebuild a sense of “Americana.” Fast cars, rock and roll, and free spirits were running wild. Being a product of the 80’s, I cannot tell you what life was like during these times. The only way I can envision the way in which people lived is by the stories told to me by my father or listening to the music from that point in time. It is quite odd being able to classify a lifestyle or commonality that society portrays by listening to a single song written during that generation. The art of music, you see, is an accurate way of depicting a cultures views and morals at a given time. “She’s real fine, my 409…” is a phrase that will last the test of time. Most people know that the song 409 was written by the Beach Boys. Not all people know, however, what the song is really about. The 409 was a size engine fit into a small car known as the Impala. The lyrics, “my 4-speed, dual quad, posi-traction, 409…” explain a little more about this car. These words demonstrate the knowledge people had about their automobiles. This is not seen at all in t
In another instance, the song Fuck my car by Too Short, a west coast rapper, uses the automobile as a way to explain how all women want him. “All of you bitches wanna fuck me cause my ride’s so fly…” Lil’ Troy also talks of sex through the use of an automobile. “Wanna be a -- baller, shot caller Twenty inch blades -- on the Impala A caller gettin laid tonight…” Many people claim that history repeats itself. Now, is that necessarily true? It is possible. Music and cultures both seem to go through transitional stages moving from one style to another. The thing in which I have noticed above all, is the fact that music has an enormous impact on the way in which we all live. On the other hand, however, the way in which we live has an enormous impact on music. So, as long as this stays true, music and our lifestyles will always have a common bond. What we do in our daily lives will always bring forth a new song of our culture. It is everchanging. In the song, Ice Ice Baby, performed by Vanilla Ice, he says, “all the women want to say hi. Did you stop? Hell no, I just drove by. Rollin’ in my 5.0…” The arrogance to not pay any attention to people waving to you seems to fit this culture extraordinarily. The car in this song, a mustang, is not used for anything but to get the attention of the opposite sex. As time wore on, it seems as if the love for the automobile had diminished. Now, a car is not looked at in the same way as what it was in the past. The car seems to be more of a sex symbol than it was 30 years ago. In today’s society, the car isn’t intended to be attractive. The car is intended to make you look attractive. It has changed from being a way to hang out with friends to a way to get women. Influence is a funny thing. The songs of the past like SS 396, Mustang Sally, and Little Deuce Coupe were all socialized by the automotive industriali
Some topics in this essay:
War II,
Fuel Metallica,
Lil’ Troy,
Vanilla Ice,
Shit Car,
Chuck Barry,
Deuce Coupe”,
Beach Boys,
Guy Automobiles,
Drag City,
today’s society,
love automobile,
people song 409,
rock roll,
intended attractive,
seen today’s,
enormous impact,
true music,
automobile diminished,
seen today’s society,
relates drag,
love automobile diminished,
people song,
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Approximate Word count = 1296
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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