Who wrote the song cherry bomb?

Who Wrote the Song "Cherry Bomb"?

The song "Cherry Bomb" is a iconic punk rock anthem that has been a staple of the genre for decades. The song was written by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley, two legendary figures in the world of rock music. In this article, we will delve into the history of the song, its meaning, and the creative process behind its writing.

The Birth of "Cherry Bomb"

"Cherry Bomb" was written in 1974 by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley, who were both part of the early punk rock scene in Los Angeles. At the time, Jett was just 16 years old and was still a member of the Runaways, a pioneering all-girl rock band. Fowley, on the other hand, was a veteran music producer and songwriter who had worked with a variety of artists, including The Troggs and The Fugs.

According to Jett, the idea for "Cherry Bomb" came about during a brainstorming session with Fowley. "We were just sitting around, throwing out ideas, and Kim said, ‘Let’s write a song about a teenage rebel, a Cherry Bomb, who’s gonna blow up the world,’" Jett recalled in an interview.

The Song’s Meaning

So, what does "Cherry Bomb" mean? On the surface, the song is about a rebellious teenager who is ready to take on the world. But beneath the surface, the song is also about the struggles of growing up and finding one’s own identity.

"Cherry Bomb" is about the feeling of being trapped and wanting to break free, of being a teenager and wanting to be a rock star," Jett said. "It’s about the energy and the excitement of being young and wild and free."

The Music and Lyrics

The music for "Cherry Bomb" was written by Jett and Fowley, with Jett providing the iconic guitar riff and Fowley contributing the song’s driving beat. The lyrics, which were written by Jett, are a poetic and rebellious manifesto that has become one of the most iconic and enduring in rock music.

Here are the lyrics to "Cherry Bomb":

"Come out and play, everybody play
Now we’re gonna play, play, play
I’m a bad reputation, yeah
I’m a bad reputation, yeah"

"You think it’s easy, you think it’s cool
To be a rebel, to be a rebel
You think it’s easy, you think it’s fun
To be a rebel, to be a rebel"

The Legacy of "Cherry Bomb"

"Cherry Bomb" has had a lasting impact on rock music, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike. The song has been covered by countless artists, including The Ramones, The Clash, and Green Day, and has become a staple of punk rock playlists around the world.

In 2014, "Cherry Bomb" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its status as one of the most important and enduring songs in rock music.

Table: "Cherry Bomb" Chart Performance

Conclusion

"Cherry Bomb" is a punk rock anthem that has become a cultural touchstone. Written by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley in 1974, the song is a testament to the power of rebellion and the energy of youth. With its iconic guitar riff, driving beat, and poetic lyrics, "Cherry Bomb" is a song that continues to inspire and energize listeners to this day.

Key Takeaways

• "Cherry Bomb" was written by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley in 1974.
• The song was inspired by the idea of a teenage rebel who is ready to take on the world.
• The song has become a cultural touchstone and a staple of punk rock playlists around the world.
• "Cherry Bomb" has been covered by countless artists and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.