The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Nine to five and five to nine
Ain't gonna take it, it's our time
We want the world and we want it now
We're gonna take it, anyhow
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves, baby
If rock is gonna stay alive
Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night
Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night
Where's your guts and will to survive?
Don't you want to keep rock and roll music alive?
Mister programmer, I got my hammer for to smash my, smash my radio
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves, baby
If rock is gonna stay alive
Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night
Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, baby
Ain't gonna take it, it's our time
We want the world and we want it now
We're gonna take it, anyhow
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves, baby
If rock is gonna stay alive
Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night
Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night
Where's your guts and will to survive?
Don't you want to keep rock and roll music alive?
Mister programmer, I got my hammer for to smash my, smash my radio
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves (that's right, that's right)
We want the airwaves, baby
If rock is gonna stay alive
Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night
Oh yeah, well, all right
Let's rock, tonight, all night
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, airwaves
We want the airwaves, baby
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It means a lot. Back in the Ramones' time, the radio, and music in general, was just all pop and disco. Punk was new, not being accepted, and here to kick ass, as were the Ramones! I really related to this song back in '99, when I first heard it. It was when the teenybopper bubblegum pop arrived. Unfortunately, we didn't get a revolution in music after that.
I agree, it's about the ramones wanting to be played on the radio, but being denied because their type of music wasn't popular at the time.
dude...this is one their best songs,and it's true,it's about them wanting to be played on the radio..uh which they should've!!!cuz they are WAY better than other music that was probably on back then. But the Ramones will never fade,they have forever made an impact on music in America and all over the world.I wasn't even born back then but It's cool cuz I still jam the Ramones all the time!And BTW I think the ramones are the best punk rock band of all time,the misfits too,
I don't want to be obnoxious, but... dude, you have to decide: which one is the best punk rock band of all time? Ramones or Misfits?<br /> <br /> XD
The tune to this song is more or less exactly the same as The Ramones "I'm Affected"... so maybe it was just making a statement about wanting to get played and wanting to get rock and roll alive, but keeping the tune as one that people knew, or, you know, they couldn't be bothered coming up with a new one, meh. Something like that. But yes, i agree with the last two comments.
Lol..ur right after all that "britney spears" "nsync" crap (which i liked back at the time cuz i was 9 and didnt know any better haha),there hasnt been any good "main stream music" maybe a few rock bands but like it's all gay ass music now like taylor swift,and stupid shit and rap idk u guys know what i mean im sure...but anywhoo fuck the radio anyways!!!Ima keep jammin my ramones,misfits,sublime,rancid,op ivy,nirvana,social d,transplants,leftover crack...those are all really good bands fucka da radio!!!and dee dee ramones solo stuff rox too!