About the song
“Rock and Roll Lullaby,” performed by B. J. Thomas and written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, is a poignant reflection on childhood and maternal love set against the backdrop of the early years of rock-and-roll. Released in 1972, the song captivates listeners with its tender narrative and distinctive musical arrangement.
The lyrics unfold as a first-person account of a child raised by a single teenage mother. Despite the hardships they face, whenever the child cries, the mother consoles with a soothing melody: ‘sha-na-na-na-na-na-na, it’ll be all right…sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na, just hold on tight’. The song evokes nostalgia for ‘better mornings’ when the mother’s song provided solace, emphasizing that while the exact words may fade from memory, the love and comfort they conveyed remain enduringly significant.
Production of “Rock and Roll Lullaby” was helmed by Steve Tyrell, who infused the recording with a blend of distinctive sounds reminiscent of early American rock recordings. The track features the Blossoms on backup vocals, adding depth and harmony. Notably, legendary guitarist Duane Eddy contributes his signature ‘twangy’ style, complemented by Al Gorgoni’s electric guitar work, which alternates between distorted and clean tones.
The song’s structure includes a notable shift around the three-minute mark, where Thomas delivers his final vocals before a lush Beach Boys-inspired arrangement takes over, propelled by Dave Somerville and members of the Ron Hicklin Singers. This infusion of vocal harmonies and rich instrumentation extends the track to over four minutes, enhancing its emotional resonance and musical complexity.
Upon its release, “Rock and Roll Lullaby” resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a hit that showcased B. J. Thomas’s emotive vocal delivery and the songwriting prowess of Mann and Weil. Its themes of love, resilience, and the power of music to heal struck a chord with listeners, cementing its place as a cherished classic in the singer’s repertoire and in the annals of rock-and-roll history.
“Rock and Roll Lullaby” remains a timeless testament to the enduring impact of music in our lives, encapsulating the universal experience of seeking solace and hope through song, even in the face of adversity.
Video
Lyrics
She was just 16 and all alone
When I came to be
So we grew up together
My mama, child and me
Now things were bad and she was scared
But whenever I would cry
She’d calm my fears and dry my tears
With a rock and roll lullaby
And she’d sing sha na na na, na na, na na na
It’ll be all right
Sha na na na, na na, na na na, na
Just hold on tight
Sing it to me, Mama (sha na na na, na na, na na na)
Mama, Mama, Mama (it’ll be all right)
Sing it sweet and clear (sha na na na, na na, na na na)
Oh, Mama, let me hear that old rock and roll lullaby
Now we made it through the lonely days
But Lord, the nights were long
And we’d dream of better moments
When Mama sang her song
Now I can’t recall the words at all
It don’t make sense to try
‘Cause I just knew lots of love came through
In that rock and roll lullaby
And she’d sing sha na na na, na na, na na na
It’ll be all right
Sha na na na, na na, na na na, na
Just hold on tight
I can hear you, Mama (sha na na na, na na, na na na)
Mama, Mama (it’ll be all right)
Nothing moves my soul (sha na na na, na na, na na na)
Like the sound of a good, old rock and roll lullaby
It’ll be all right
Just hold on tight
Mama, Mama, Mama
Nothing moves my soul
Like the sound of a good, old rock and roll lullaby
It’ll be all right
(Sha na na na, na na, na na na)
Just hold on tight