Classic rock brought us some great music and some legendary artists. Among the sounds, those guitar solos or bass riffs were other standouts in the songs, things that kept the music real and memorable. That definitely includes the lyrics.
The lyrics are there to tell the story. I know it’s obvious to say that. But it can be easy to overlook as we focus on the sound, the instruments, and the voices. It’s those crafted words that we often cling to as we listen. Plus, of course, they add to the atmosphere when it comes to the audience joining in at gigs.
Did the classic rock era have the best lyrics? Well, that’s a huge debate. I’m pretty convinced it had some of the best music, and I’m happy to wrap up the lyrics within that overall sound. There have been a lot of great song stories told in music since then, though.
10 classic rock songs with the best lyrics ever
Even if we put that argument aside, there are plenty of contentious views just looking at those classic rock lyrics. Trying to list the greatest is one of those almost impossible tasks; you’ll never please everyone. There will always be the ‘What abouts,' the songs people reckon you’ve overlooked. But let’s try at least to name 10 of the best ever lyrics of songs from classic rock legends.
The Who - “Baba O’Riley”
There are other Who songs that could be included. “My Generation,” perhaps. But the teenage rebellion anthem with its references about not wanting to get old seems somewhat out of place as the aging remaining band members play out their final US tour.
“Baba O’Riley” is a top contender, though. There is a similar theme again with Pete Townsend’s brilliant lines, “Don’t cry / Don’t raise your eye / It’s only teenage wasteland.” The words are short, right from the strong opener of “Out here in the fields,” the anger and feeling unfold perfectly.
Joni Mitchell – “Both Sides Now”
It would be impossible not to include at least one song from Joni Mitchell. Should it be this one? Why not, it shows her poetic style perfectly. The opening lines of “Rows and floes of angel hair / And ice cream castles in the air / And feather canyons everywhere / Looked at clouds that way” set the tone superbly.
The iconic wording of the chorus takes that to another level. “I’ve looked at life from both sides now / From win and lose, and still somehow / It’s life’s illusions I recall / I really don’t know life at all.” Stunning.
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