Song Meaning

Ricky Nelson's "Call It What You Want" isn't just a song; it's a metacommentary on the music industry itself, filtered through a lens of wry cynicism and perhaps, a touch of bewildered amusement. The lyrics read like a rapid-fire montage of studio sessions, managerial meetings, and the sheer absurdity of trying to manufacture a hit. Nelson, or rather, the persona he adopts, seems to be observing the chaotic process of creation and promotion with a detached bemusement, acknowledging the inherent contradictions and compromises that define the rock 'n' roll machine. The recurring line, "Call it what you want, it's alright, it's rock 'n' roll to me," acts as both a shrug and an embrace, suggesting an acceptance of the genre's messy, unpredictable nature. The song's power lies in its fragmented, almost stream-of-consciousness delivery. Lines like "Play it hard, make it soft, make it sound kinda sleazy" and "Good words, wrong song, don't try to seduce her" paint a picture of artists pulled in different directions, navigating the conflicting demands of artistic integrity and commercial appeal. The jab at punk rock ("No way that punk rock can set you free") is particularly telling, suggesting a skepticism towards any genre claiming to offer true liberation from the industry's constraints. Instead, Nelson seems to imply that rock 'n' roll, in all its flawed glory, is simply a game to be played. Ultimately, the song meaning circles around the futility of trying to define or control rock 'n' roll. It's a genre built on rebellion and authenticity, yet constantly subjected to the pressures of marketing and trend-chasing. "Call It What You Want" acknowledges this paradox, suggesting that the best approach is to simply accept the chaos and find some amusement in the ride. It’s a knowing wink to the listener, a shared understanding that beneath the surface of carefully constructed images and catchy hooks lies a world of absurdity, compromise, and the ever-present quest for the elusive 'number one' hit.