Nick Briere

UWRT-1101-078
10/8/2014
Rhetorical Analysis for Classic Rock
Classic rock is a genre that includes of the most influential lyric writing in all of music.
Much depth of our American culture was provided by the movements led by influential figures
that also released the music that has been held in the hearts of many for a very long time.
When taking a look into the past we see the counter-culture uprising that encompassed the
time between the late sixties through the late seventies. The influence of classic rock music
along with the push for peace and prosperity in the nation had much to do with many of our
music heroes. Among the favorites were the Beatles who paved the road for a psychedelic
revolution and were an inspiration for many more to follow. These movements led to more and
more change in the culture of the country. It encapsulated movements related to conflict in
Vietnam, Civil Rights, Womens Rights, and the Sexual Revolution, contributing to the intense
passion of each causes respective supporters. Nowhere was this desire for societal change
more prevalent than in music.( Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll: Music in the Counterculture). All
share one thing, the spirit and soul of rock and roll. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll, simply an
explanation for the good times associated with the classic rock era and the push towards peace.
First there is the dilemma of sex. There was a grand change in how we view the idea of
sexual interactions. It became much more comfortable to have these kinds of experiences.
Previous to this counter culture movement, one had to be going steady with someone in order

for any advancements to be made. People started to be less personal and began to branch out
more with others, sharing moments of intimacy with a care free attitude.
Drugs had their part in the counter culture involving the psychedelic movement and the
introduction to marijuana. The drugs served as a symbol of freedom to those who were
involved in their frequent use and it quickly became a fad. It picked up when famous figures
such as Ken Kesey took on the use as a lifestyle. Eventually a new genre of rock became
prominent in the US known as psychedelic rock. Many of the bands still talked about today fall
into this trendy category such as the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd. These musicians gained
much of their inspiration from admirable trips and engrossing ideas while using drugs or
alcohol.
Rock and Roll music has brought myself and many others nostalgia and memories that
can never be forgotten. They were motivational enough to others to impact life decisions. Riots
were formed and protests were held to force a changing nation to adapt to the ways of a
peaceful America. One example in particular is Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones. In this
song, it clearly depicts the dangers of war and what it means to everyday life. War, children,
it's just a shot away, a lot of thought was directed toward how war would affect the individual
rather than its political agenda. It was almost a warning call telling us how easy it would be for a
full out war to begin, along with its consequences. Another example is the famous Vietnam-War
affiliated song Fortunate Son, which was written for the purpose of showing how fortunate
some Americans were to not be drafted into war as compared to others, The song was
incredibly critical of the Selective Service System, which produced a military that was
disproportionately composed of minorities and the poor(Shmoop Editorial Team, 2008).

Classic Rock has been a large part of our American history and it has lingered through all
this time into my life. One that strikes me as a very influential piece is my favorite song by Bad
Company, Shooting Star. It demonstrates an example of the repetitive nature in a musicians
life. It starts with a young boy and his dream of being a rock star takes off when he hears a song
by the Beatles, 'Love me do,' I think it was. From there it didn't take him long.(Paul Rodgers,
1974).
His life took on from there and he grew up to be a successful guitar player but had to
deal with the fact that he had to leave behind a family who loved him. His career was successful
and he made hit records, but the fame led to more troubles where partying became an excess
activity. He was found dead after overdosing on sleeping pills. I believe this to be a reference to
how often this appears to happen in the history of Rock and Roll musicians. Many incredible
talented people have been lost to these conditions, such as Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, and
many more. This is one of many themes that are expressed in classic rock. It was all about
displaying emotion in the most effective way they knew how.
Classic rock has an amazing way of letting a songwriter to display feelings in a very
effective manner. Not only is it my favorite type of music, but it is my overall most frequently
observed form of literacy which has changed my life for the better. What I find in classic rock is
the most passionate display of thought and feelings through which many lives are inspired.

Work Cited
"Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll: Music in the Counterculture." Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll
Music in the Counterculture. University of Virginia, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
<https://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/CYOU_Project/executive-summary/>.
Shmoop Editorial Team. "Fortunate Son Meaning." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc.,
11 Nov. 2008. Web. 08 Oct. 2014. <http://www.shmoop.com/fortunateson/meaning.html>.
Rodgers, Paul. Shooting Star. Bad Company. Bad Company, 1974. CD.