Meaning of "In the Days Before Rock 'n' Roll" by Van Morrison

"In the Days Before Rock 'n' Roll" by Van Morrison captures a nostalgic reflection on the pre-rock 'n' roll era where radio was the primary source of music discovery. The lyrics paint a picture of a simpler time when people gathered around the wireless knobs to tune into stations like Luxembourg and Athlone, eagerly awaiting the stars of jazz and later the rock 'n' roll legends. The mention of Lester Piggott, a famous jockey, and the release of goldfish symbolize a carefree and leisurely life that existed before the cultural explosion of rock 'n' roll. The song underscores the significance of radio in shaping musical tastes and introducing audiences to icons like Elvis, Fats Domino, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker. Ultimately, the arrival of artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard marked the shift towards the rock 'n' roll revolution, forever altering the musical landscape.