David Essex facts: Singer's age, wife, children, songs and career revealed  - Smooth

About the Song

Ah, “Rock On”! A true anthem of the 70s, and a track that still resonates with a certain raw energy today. When you think of David Essex, you might immediately picture him crooning ballads like “Hold Me Close,” but this track, “Rock On,” throws a delightful curveball. It showcases a different facet of his musical persona, a grittier, more rebellious side. Released in 1973, this wasn’t just a hit; it was a phenomenon, solidifying Essex’s status as a bona fide rock star.

David Essex wasn’t just a pretty face; he had genuine musical talent, and “Rock On” is a testament to that. It’s not your typical bubblegum pop; it’s got a real driving force, a swagger that’s infectious. The song, penned by Essex himself, has a surprisingly dark and mysterious undercurrent. The lyrics, with their cryptic imagery and hints of danger, create a sense of intrigue. What exactly is going on? The beauty of the song lies in its ambiguity; it leaves the listener to fill in the blanks, creating their own narrative.

The production on “Rock On” is also worth noting. It’s got that classic 70s rock sound – raw, unpolished, and full of energy. The driving rhythm section, the gritty guitars, and Essex’s distinctive vocals all come together to create a sonic experience that’s both thrilling and captivating. It’s a sound that instantly transports you back to a time of big hair, platform shoes, and a burgeoning rock and roll scene.

What makes “Rock On” so enduring is its timeless quality. It’s not just a relic of the 70s; it still sounds fresh and relevant today. The energy is palpable, the lyrics are intriguing, and the overall vibe is just plain cool. It’s a song that you can crank up on the car stereo and instantly feel like you’re cruising down a sun-drenched highway, wind in your hair, without a care in the world. It’s a reminder of the power of rock and roll to liberate, to energize, and to simply make you feel good. So, turn it up, let the raw energy of “Rock On” wash over you, and rediscover why David Essex was, and is, a true rock icon.Rock On! 7Ts Reissues David Essex's First Three Albums - The Second Disc

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Lyrics: Rock On

Ooh

Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on
Ooh, my soul
Hey kid, boogie, too, did ya?
Hey, shout, summertime blues
Jump up and down in my blue suede shoes
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on

And where do we go from here?
Which is a way that’s clear?
Still looking for that blue jean baby queen
Prettiest girl I’ve ever seen
See her shake on the movie screen, Jimmy Dean
(James Dean)

And where do we go from here?
Which is the way that’s clear?
Still looking for that blue jean baby queen
Prettiest girl I ever seen
See her shake on the movie screen, Jimmy Dean
Jimmy Dean

Rock on
Rock on
Rock on
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on
Rock on
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on
Rock on
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on
Rock on
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on
Rock on
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on
Rock on
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on
Rock on
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on
Rock on
Hey, kid, rock ‘n’ roll, rock on

You Missed

Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.