Billy Idol

Lyrics

[Intro]
Woah, yeah
Yow

[Verse 1]
It was a night, oh, what a night
L.A. burning bright, oh, what a night
Say yeah, come on
It made my world stand still

Ah riot, rape, race and revolution, ah yeah
Here come the fire and my world burns still
I say yeah
Well, you can rock this land, baby yow

[Chorus]
Like a shock to the system
It feel good, well all right
Like a shock to the system
I say yeah, ain't it irie

[Verse 2]
It was a night, hell of a night
L.A., it really was, oh, what a riot
I said yeah, come on
It made my life feel real
See Billy Idol LiveGet tickets as low as $32You might also likeAww, fear, police and civil corruption, oh yeah
Is there a man who would be king?
And the world stood still
Oh yeah, loud

[Pre-Chorus]
You can rock this land, baby
Yeah

[Chorus]
Like a shock (shock) to the system
It feel good, well all right
Like a shock (shock) to the system
I said yeah, come on, baby

Shock to the system
Feel good, well all right
Like a shock (shock) to the system
I say yeah, I say yeah, I say yeah
Come on, baby
Yow

[Bridge]
Yeah, well, you can rock this land, baby yow

[Chorus]
Like a shock (shock) to the system
It feel good, well, all right
Like a shock (shock) to the system
I say, yeah, ain't it irie
Shock to the system
It feel good, well, all right
Like a shock (shock) to the system
I say yeah, I say yeah, I say yeah, come on, baby

[Outro]
Shock to the, shock to the
Shock to the system, loud, I gotta
Shock to the, shock to the
Shock to the system, yeah, I gotta
Shock to the, shock to the
Shock to the system, yeah, I gotta
Shock to the, shock to the
Shock to the system

(You got to shock) You could be king
(Shock the system) (laugh) Yeah
(You got to shock) Or I could be king
(Shock the system) Yeah, well
(You got to shock) You could be king
(Shock the system) Or I could be king, well, I gotta
(You got to shock) You could be king
(Rock the system) Say it louder, the world still burnsEmbed

With his signature raspy voice and punk edge, Billy Idol has been a staple in the music industry for over four decades. One of his standout songs is Shock to the System, which was released in 1993 as a part of his album Cyberpunk. This high-energy, guitar-driven song explores themes of societal conformity and rebellion, all while showcasing Idol's unique sound and style.

About Shock to the System

Shock to the System is a song that combines elements of punk, rock, and electronic music, resulting in a sound that is both intense and catchy. The song begins with a fast-paced guitar riff that immediately draws in the listener, before transitioning into a drum-heavy beat and Idol's distinctive vocals.

The lyrics of Shock to the System are a commentary on the state of society and the pressures to conform. Idol sings about how, in today's world, we are bombarded with messages telling us who to be and how to act. He encourages listeners to break free from these constraints and rebel against the status quo, stating "You gotta stand up if you're gonna stand a chance."

One of the most notable aspects of Shock to the System is its use of electronic elements. This was a departure from Idol's previous work, which primarily featured guitars and traditional rock instrumentation. As a result, Shock to the System was seen as a unique and innovative track that pushed the boundaries of what was expected from a Billy Idol song.

The song's music video also drew attention upon its release, featuring high-tech imagery and a dystopian setting that perfectly complemented the song's themes. The video shows Idol as a rebel leader, fighting against the oppressive regime that seeks to control the population. It serves as a visual representation of the song's message and further cemented Shock to the System as one of Idol's most iconic works.

In addition to its impact on the music industry, Shock to the System has also been used in various forms of media. It has been featured in movies like The Last Boy Scout and TV shows such as Homicide: Life on the Street and Miami Vice. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance have solidified its place as one of Billy Idol's most beloved songs.

Why Shock to the System Matters Today

Over 25 years after its release, Shock to the System remains a relevant and impactful song. Its core message of standing up against societal pressure and being true to oneself is something that resonates with many people today. In an era where social media and the internet can create even more pressure to conform and fit in, Shock to the System serves as a reminder to stay true to one's beliefs and values.

The song's use of electronic elements also foreshadowed the rise of electronic and techno music, which would go on to become a significant force in the music industry. Its influence on the genre can still be felt today, as many modern artists continue to experiment with electronic sounds in their own music.

Ultimately, Shock to the System remains a standout track in Billy Idol's discography, showcasing his unique talent and iconic sound. Its message of individuality and rebellion is something that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come, making it a timeless classic in the world of music.

• Release Date: June 8, 1993
• Artist: Billy Idol