It's About Time

There are some lines in Rock N Roll which completely define the genre and the attitude of its members. Patti Smith’s opening line to “Gloria” defines it better than possibly any other song, quote, or moment; “Jesus died for somebody’s sins but not mine.” That quote screams rebellion, a disconnection from society, and Rock N Roll! My first experience with Patti Smith was her version of “Hey Joe” on the “No Thanks” box set which contained a compilation of songs from the 70’s punk rebellion. The first time you hear her rendition of “Hey Joe” it will instantly send chills up your spine. Like “Gloria” it opens up with the poetic and rebellious rambling of shocking and striking lyrics:

Honey, the way you play guitar makes me feel so, makes me feel so masochistic. The way you go down low deep into the neck and I would do anything, and I would do anything and Patty Hearst, you're standing there in front of the Symbionese Liberation Army flag with your legs spread, I was wondering will you get it every night from a black revolutionary man and his women or whether you really did and now that you're on the run what goes on in your mind, your sisters they sit by the window, you know your mama doesn't sit and cry and your daddy, well you know what your daddy said, Patty, you know what your daddy said, Patty, he said, he said, he said, "Well, sixty days ago she was such a lovely child, now here she is with a gun in her hand."

When I first heard Patti Smith I knew I had to buy one of her full length albums and thus began my search for “Horses” which I would go out on the limb and say is the best album by a female artist. Tonight I finally saw her induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame which I have been patiently waiting for. It’s about time she was inducted because as I said before, her attitude and passion is what Rock N Roll is all about. Contrary to popular belief Rock N Roll is not about sex and drugs. It is about rebellion, passion, breaking free from social norms and letting loose and leaving all of your cares behind. Patti Smith fits into each and every one of those categories. Her lyrics were bitter and socially active; she pushed boundaries and shocked those who listened to her. Her appearance wasn’t that of a model, she went out without putting a brush in her hair and without wearing designer clothes. Her sound was raw and her stage appearance was like an animal, she ripped and tore her away across every inch of the stage and commanded your eyes and ears. I just wanted to say congratulations to Patti Smith for her induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame because she is Rock N Roll and for any kid wanting to know exactly what Rock is, all they need to do is pick up “Horses” and listen from beginning to end.