by B. B. James

Created on: January 26, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

How about My Generation by the Who?

I'm not a huge Who fan, but when I think about what Rock is all about, that song seems to fit the requirements. Rock is about youth, rebellion, energy, brashness. It's about making noise and challenging what's come before you. It's about the naivete of youth - that we'll never die - and reaches into the realm of arrogance. And Rock is about guitars, and guys who want to scream and strut.

(A few women have made the Rock Pantheon, too, but mostly their artistry shines in pop, folk, or other genres. This is not a criticism, just an observation.)

So, packaging that up, think about "My Generation." Lyrics that go right to point of Rock, with the arrogance of "Hope I die before I get old." Growling lead guitar and thumping base. The preening of Roger Daltry, and the outlandish stutter.

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