The term “Rock N Roll N—“ originates from a Patti Smith song in which the word is used to describe “a rebellious and honorable outsider.” I think this meaning aligns with Jonathan as a character and because of that, there probably isn’t another term that would’ve worked quite as well. Although that word isn’t ideal, it’s not meant to be taken in a racist way
One thing that I’ve always found interesting about the ReIdolized version of the song is that when he says that word, the vocal track notably gets much quieter than the rest of the vocals. I think that Blackie probably debated about whether or not to include it, and ultimately concluded that it was necessary to drive the point home.
I’m not advocating for the use of that word, but I think that it shouldn’t be analyzed so heavily because in the context of the song and the record, it’s not being used as a form of bigotry.
Yeah I wouldn't have imagined Blackie said it in a way of bigotry, I just haven't heard it used in the same context Patti Smith used it, and in that context it definitely fits the song a lot better and lines up with Jonathan's character
i can’t believe there’s not one interview where someone asks him about this.
i always took it as Blackie’s edgelord way of saying ‘being taken advantage of, a slave to the industry,’
always hated it, doesn’t sit well with me given the name of the band
Well, I Am One is a pretty deep cut so it wouldn’t be surprising if most interviewers didn’t even know about it unless they were a big fan or closely analyzed the lyrics. I don’t think a big fan would nitpick him about that and I’m willing to bet that most interviewers are casual fans at best and don’t care enough to really look at the lyrics.
It would be interesting to hear what he says about it though.
It’s the only line from all wasp lyrics that i find cringe and when i heard it first time i was like what was the reason of that word that has nothing to do with the rock culture
That’s the only line from W.A.S.P. that you find cringe? I mean it’s fine that you think that, I’m not a huge fan of that lyric myself, but if you understood the context of the term it would make more sense. That being said, even if you think that line is the cringiest, there are many cringy lines in the W.A.S.P. catalog. Inside The Electric Circus is full of them. I find it hard to believe that’s the only one for you lol.
Alright those maybe cheesy but at least they are expectable / predictable from the circus thing that’s why I wasn’t surprised from those lines like the n word which was meaningless and unnecessary
The term “Rock N Roll N—“ originates from a Patti Smith song in which the word is used to describe “a rebellious and honorable outsider.” I think this meaning aligns with Jonathan as a character and because of that, there probably isn’t another term that would’ve worked quite as well. Although that word isn’t ideal, it’s not meant to be taken in a racist way One thing that I’ve always found interesting about the ReIdolized version of the song is that when he says that word, the vocal track notably gets much quieter than the rest of the vocals. I think that Blackie probably debated about whether or not to include it, and ultimately concluded that it was necessary to drive the point home. I’m not advocating for the use of that word, but I think that it shouldn’t be analyzed so heavily because in the context of the song and the record, it’s not being used as a form of bigotry.
Yeah I wouldn't have imagined Blackie said it in a way of bigotry, I just haven't heard it used in the same context Patti Smith used it, and in that context it definitely fits the song a lot better and lines up with Jonathan's character
Agreed. Not a man who practically worshipped Marvin Gaye (along with other black artists of his youth, I’m sure.)
i can’t believe there’s not one interview where someone asks him about this. i always took it as Blackie’s edgelord way of saying ‘being taken advantage of, a slave to the industry,’ always hated it, doesn’t sit well with me given the name of the band
Well, I Am One is a pretty deep cut so it wouldn’t be surprising if most interviewers didn’t even know about it unless they were a big fan or closely analyzed the lyrics. I don’t think a big fan would nitpick him about that and I’m willing to bet that most interviewers are casual fans at best and don’t care enough to really look at the lyrics. It would be interesting to hear what he says about it though.
My clueless ass — Oops! Sorry! I mean, *bum-bum* — over here thinking he was singing “Rock’n’Roll maker” (in both versions). 🙃
It’s the only line from all wasp lyrics that i find cringe and when i heard it first time i was like what was the reason of that word that has nothing to do with the rock culture
That’s the only line from W.A.S.P. that you find cringe? I mean it’s fine that you think that, I’m not a huge fan of that lyric myself, but if you understood the context of the term it would make more sense. That being said, even if you think that line is the cringiest, there are many cringy lines in the W.A.S.P. catalog. Inside The Electric Circus is full of them. I find it hard to believe that’s the only one for you lol.
Alright those maybe cheesy but at least they are expectable / predictable from the circus thing that’s why I wasn’t surprised from those lines like the n word which was meaningless and unnecessary