Meaning of "It Keeps You Rockin'" by Billy Squier

"It Keeps You Rockin'" is a song that celebrates the transformative and uplifting power of music. The lyrics portray various scenarios where music plays a crucial role in people's lives. The lines "When the lights blow and anything goes and nobody knows" and "When the sparks fly from in your eye and you don't know why" suggest moments of uncertainty or chaos, where music becomes a source of solace and stability. It is during these times that the "right sound" can bring a person back to a balanced state.

The song also acknowledges the different emotional states that music can accompany. On a hot night, when everything feels intense and overwhelming, music serves as a cathartic outlet to release those pent-up emotions. Conversely, on the next day, when one feels exhausted and overwhelmed, music can provide an escape and offer a momentary reprieve from reality.

Billy Squier emphasizes that music has the power to bring people together. It's in the right crowd where one can truly let loose and express themselves, with their "head in the clouds." The song highlights the nostalgia and longing for the past, acknowledging that music has changed over time, but its ability to move and inspire remains unchanged.

The chorus serves as a rallying cry, urging listeners to embrace the power of music and the strength it provides. The lines "Take this fight, wherever it takes you" and "Fight the fight, whatever it makes you" encourage perseverance and resilience, emphasizing that music can be a driving force in overcoming challenges and obstacles.

Overall, "It Keeps You Rockin'" conveys the notion that music is a constant companion and an essential part of life. It has the power to lift spirits, offer solace, and bring people together in shared experiences.