Van Halen

Released: March 26, 1980

Songwriter: Alex Van Halen Eddie Van Halen David Lee Roth Michael Anthony (Bassist)

Producer: Ted Templeman

[Verse 1]
Well, they say it's kinda fright'nin' how this younger generation swings
You know, it's more than just some new sensation
Well, the kid is into losin' sleep and he don't come home for half the week
You know, it's more than just an aggravation

[Chorus]
And the cradle will rock
Yes, the cradle will rock
And I say, rock on!
Rock on!

[Verse 2]
And when some local kid gets down, they try and drum him out of town
They say, "You coulda least faked it, boy."
At an early age he hits the street and winds up tied with who he meets, and he's unemployed

[Chorus]
And the cradle will rock
Yeah, the cradle will rock
And I say, rock on!
Rock on!
Have you seen Junior's grades?

[Verse 3]
And when some local kid gets down, they try and drum him out of town
They say, "You coulda least faked it, boy."
Faked it, boy
At an early age he hits the street and winds up tied with who he meets, and he's unemployed
His folks are overjoyed

[Chorus]
And the cradle will rock
Yeah, the cradle will rock
And I say, rock on!
Rock on!
Rock on!
Rock on!

Van Halen is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the group’s primary line-up consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth providing lead vocals, and Michael Anthony providing bass duties and significant harmonies.

Their first six albums, recorded and released between 1977–1984, are considered to be classics and pioneering efforts in the field of hard rock. Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar sound and techniques completely changed the landscape of music and radio culture in the 1980s. His and brother Alex’s virtuosity, along with David Lee Roth’s charisma and bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational contributions garnered the band early comparisons to their predecessors—Led Zeppelin—a group who had a profound influence on them. Though, even more so than Jimmy Page, Eddie cites Eric Clapton as having the biggest impact on his playing.

In 1977, after recording a demo with Gene Simmons (who wanted the band to change their name to “Daddy Longlegs”) they were introduced to KISS‘ management, who told Simmons they wouldn’t sign them

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