Cum on Feel the Noize – Unpacking the Rebel Anthem of the 80s
Lyrics
Girls, rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Wild, wild, wild
So you think I got an evil mind? I’ll tell you, honey
I don’t know why, I don’t know why
So you think my singing’s out of time? It makes me money
I don’t know why, I don’t know why
Anymore, oh, no
So come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Wild, wild, wild
Come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Baby
So you say I got a funny face? I got no worries
And I don’t know why, I don’t know why
Oh, I gotta sing, it’s some disgrace, I’m in no hurry
And I don’t know why, I don’t know why
Anymore, no, no, no
Come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Wild, wild, wild
Come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild, baby
Come on
Well, you think we have a lazy time, you should know better
I don’t know why, I don’t know why
So you say I got a dirty mind? I’m a mean go-getter
I don’t know why, I don’t know why
Anymore, oh, no
Come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Wild, wild, wild
Come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Oh, wild
Come on (come on), feel it
Come on (girls, rock your boys), work it
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
We’re gonna get wild (wild, wild, wild)
We’re gonna get wild, tonight (come on, feel the noise)
Rock it tonight (girls, rock your boys)
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Oh, yeah
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah (woo)
Ah-ah-ah
Come on, feel the noise
Girls, rock your boys
We’ll get wild, wild, wild
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah
Bursting onto the scene with the ferocity of a sonic boom, Quiet Riot’s cover of ‘Cum on Feel the Noize’ became an instant classic that fused rebellious energy with rock and roll hedonism. A song that refused to fade into the background, its meaning has been dissected and celebrated for its unapologetic embrace of wild, youthful exuberance.
But beyond the raucous guitars and fist-pumping choruses lies a layer of depth that often goes unnoticed. In an era defined by excess and the pursuit of personal freedom, Quiet Riot crafted an anthem that spoke to a generation keen on challenging the status quo. What at first listen may seem like a straightforward party hit, reveals itself to be a textured exploration of individuality, liberation, and the pursuit of one’s own path in the face of criticism.
The Call to Liberation and Literal Noise-Making
At its core, ‘Cum on Feel the Noize’ is a siren call to freedom and self-expression. The repeated directive to ‘feel the noise’ serves as a mantra for those yearning to break free from societal chains and conventions. This isn’t just about hearing the music; it’s about feeling it reverberate through every fiber of your being.
By urging girls to rock their boys, the song tears down traditional gender roles, encouraging women to take an active, even aggressive, role in the rock culture typically dominated by male bravado. In doing so, Quiet Riot champions a power shift that remains relevant in today’s conversations around gender equality and empowerment.
A Defiant Stance Against Criticism
The lyrics playfully address the band’s critics head-on, with a cavalier indifference that has come to define the rock and roll attitude. The notion of having ‘an evil mind’ or ‘a funny face’ is shrugged off with a carefree ‘I don’t know why.’ This indifference to external judgment encapsulates the era’s spirit of rebelling against the expectations imposed by mainstream culture.
The admission ‘it makes me money’ unabashedly acknowledges the commercial aspect of their artistry, something typically criticized by purists. Yet, Quiet Riot does not ask for permission or forgiveness; the band owns their success and commercial viability, aligning with the broader 80s ethos of materialism and success.
Unraveling the Labyrinth: The Hidden Meaning
‘Cum on Feel the Noize’ takes on a deeper significance when interpreted as an anthem of resistance against creative conformity. The repeated lines ‘I don’t know why’ echo the sentiment of moving forward without a rigid blueprint, embracing the chaotic nature of art and life.
The band’s refusal to offer explanations for their sound or look can be seen as a rejection of the cookie-cutter standards often pushed by record labels and media. Quiet Riot’s message is clear: they are here to pave their own way, whether or not anyone understands or approves of their methods.
Echoes Through Time: Why the Chorus Still Resonates
That memorable chorus, with its unyielding call to ‘get wild, wild, wild,’ is more than just a catchy hook — it’s a timeless cry for liberating oneself from the monotony of everyday life. The power of ‘Cum on Feel the Noize’ lies in how it encapsulates the universal desire to let loose and embrace the chaotic joy of living.
This enduring relevance is why the song continues to find new life in modern culture, decades after its initial release. It’s not just a relic of the 80s; it’s a perennial call to arms for anyone who’s ever felt the urge to break the mold and live loudly.
The Immortal Lines: Digging into ‘So you think I got an evil mind?’
One cannot delve into ‘Cum on Feel the Noize’ without examining its opening gambit. Addressing the listener so directly with ‘So you think I got an evil mind?’ essentially challenges the orthodoxy that seeks to moralize rock music’s inherent rebelliousness. It’s a declaration that the band will not conform to an externally imposed moral standard.
Yet, the line also serves as an invitation to the audience. By declaring their defiance so overtly, Quiet Riot beckons listeners to join them in this act of rebellion. Here, ‘evil’ isn’t just about being mischievous or defiant; it’s about wielding the power of individual thought and rejecting the labels used to silence bold expressions of creativity.
