The Meaning Behind The Song: Rock Soldiers by Ace Frehley
Rock Soldiers is a song by American guitarist Ace Frehley, which was released as a single in 1987. The song appeared on his second solo album entitled “Frehley’s Comet.” This hard rock song tells a story of how Ace and his fans are brothers in arms. The song has become a fan favorite for Kiss and Ace Frehley fans alike, and it has won the hearts of many hard rock fans worldwide.
Table of Contents
Verse 1
“By the shores of Gitchee Gumee
By the shining Big Sea Water
Down in the dumps of old Jim Crow
I’m a Rock ‘n’ Roll soldier.”
The opening verse of the song sets a dark tone with references to the struggles of Native Americans and African Americans in the United States. The mention of the Great Lakes, which is also known as Gitchee Gumee, adds to the somber mood of the opening lines. Frehley then asserts his identity as a rebel and a rock ‘n’ roll soldier who stands in stark contrast to the mainstream.
Chorus
“And I’m fighting the world
Yes, I’m fighting the world
Fighting the world every day
Yes, I’m fighting the world
Fighting the world
Fighting for Rock ‘n’ Roll, babe.”
The chorus sees Frehley come into his own as a rock ‘n’ roll soldier fighting to stay true to his musical roots. He understands that staying true to his music is a constant fight, but he’s not afraid to stand up for what he believes. The emphasis on fighting the world highlights the gritty, rebellious nature of the song.
Verse 2
“Got no time for the political scene
Don’t care who’s right or who’s left
I’m just a Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel
With a license to live.”
Frehley defies politics and mainstream media, as he has no interest in being part of the system. His identity is that of a rock ‘n’ roll rebel, and he lives his life according to his rules. His license to live is a license to pursue his musical dreams and to be true to himself.
Bridge
“Got a job as a Rock ‘n’ Roll singer
Got a gig as a Rock ‘n’ Roll star
Every night I’m a Rock ‘n’ Roll dreamer
In every town I’m a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.”
The bridge continues the narrative of the rock ‘n’ roll soldier, as Frehley reflects on his life as a musician. He has achieved rock star status, and he lives every day as a Rock ‘n’ Roll dreamer. He enjoys his life as a touring musician, and he relishes the opportunity to play for new audiences around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the message of Rock Soldiers?
The message of Rock Soldiers is one of rebellion, individuality, and defiance. The song is about staying true to oneself in a world that often tries to suppress individuality. It’s a call to arms for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in, and it’s a reminder that music can be a powerful tool for self-expression.
What was the inspiration for Rock Soldiers?
Ace Frehley drew inspiration for Rock Soldiers from his experiences as a musician. The song is a reflection of his journey as a rock ‘n’ roll musician and his refusal to conform to mainstream expectations. The song speaks to the rebellious spirit that drives many rock musicians, and it’s a reminder that the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll exists outside the mainstream.
How did the public receive Rock Soldiers?
Rock Soldiers was a commercial success upon its release in 1987. The song received positive reviews from fans and critics alike, and it helped solidify Ace Frehley’s status as a solo artist. To this day, the song remains a favorite among Kiss and Ace Frehley fans, and it has inspired countless musicians around the world.
How has Rock Soldiers influenced rock music?
Rock Soldiers has influenced rock music in several ways. The song’s message of rebellion and individuality has inspired countless musicians across genres. It’s a reminder that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t just about music; it’s also about the ability to express oneself freely and to create a culture that encourages individuality. The song’s grittiness has also influenced rock music, as it has inspired musicians to create hard-hitting, rebellious music that defies the mainstream.
What role does the guitar play in Rock Soldiers?
The guitar plays a central role in Rock Soldiers. As an accomplished guitarist, Ace Frehley’s guitar work is a centerpiece of the song and helps to reinforce its hard-rocking sound. The song’s guitar solo is particularly noteworthy, as it showcases Frehley’s formidable skills as a soloist. Fans of guitar-driven rock music will appreciate the role that the guitar plays in Rock Soldiers.
What is the significance of the reference to Gitchee Gumee?
The reference to Gitchee Gumee is significant as it sets the tone for the song’s somber opening lines. As the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior (also known as Gitchee Gumee) has been central to the lives of Native American tribes for centuries. The reference to Gitchee Gumee is a reminder of the struggles that Native Americans have faced in the United States and reinforces the rebellious nature of the song’s message.
Why does Ace Frehley reject politics in Rock Soldiers?
Ace Frehley rejects politics in Rock Soldiers because he believes that politics are a tool used by those in power to control and suppress individuality. His rejection of politics is a common theme in rock music, and it’s a reminder that true individuality exists outside the mainstream. By rejecting politics, Frehley is reinforcing his commitment to his music and his refusal to be bound by societal norms.
What is the significance of the line “Every night I’m a Rock ‘n’ Roll dreamer”?
The line “Every night I’m a Rock ‘n’ Roll dreamer” is significant as it reinforces the song’s message of individuality and non-conformity. The line is a reminder that being a musician isn’t just about playing music; it’s also about living a dream and pursuing one’s passion no matter what the cost. For Frehley, the line is a reminder of the thrill of performing live, and it highlights the role that music plays in his life.
What is the meaning behind the line “By the shores of Gitchee Gumee”?
The line “By the shores of Gitchee Gumee” sets a somber tone for the song and alludes to the struggles that Native Americans have faced in the United States. The line is also significant as it juxtaposes the beauty of the Great Lakes with the struggles of marginalized groups in the US. By opening the song with this line, Frehley is setting the stage for a song that is about rebellion and defiance, no matter what the cost.
What is Rock ‘n’ Roll rebellion?
Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebellion is a term used to describe the rebellious nature of rock music. At its core, rock ‘n’ roll music is about individuality and defying societal norms. To be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel is to reject the mainstream and to live life on one’s terms. For Ace Frehley and other musicians like him, the term Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebellion is a reminder of the power of music to inspire and empower individuals to be true to themselves.
What impact has Rock Soldiers had on Ace Frehley’s career?
Rock Soldiers has had a significant impact on Ace Frehley’s career. The song helped to establish Frehley as a solo artist and has remained a fan favorite over the years. Frehley’s commitment to non-conformity and rebellion has endeared him to fans of Kiss and rock music around the world. The song has become a staple of his live shows, and it has inspired countless musicians to follow in his footsteps.
What kind of music do Rock Soldiers fans enjoy?
Rock Soldiers fans typically enjoy hard rock music with a rebellious edge. The fans of Rock Soldiers are often drawn to the non-conformist message of the song and relate to its themes of individuality and defiance. Fans of Ace Frehley and Kiss are often drawn to the song, as well as those who appreciate guitar-driven rock music. The song’s message of rebellion speaks to a wide range of rock fans, and it has earned its place in the canon of rock music.
