Def Leppard is one of the most popular names in rock music, particularly from the 1980s. This British band is known for its loud guitars, catchy hooks, and big arena sound.
With albums like Pyromania and Hysteria, they helped shape the hard rock and glam metal sound of the decade. The band has earned numerous honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
However, they have also won American Music Awards and received Diamond certifications for selling over 10 million copies of their top albums in the U.S.
About the Song
Rock of Ages is a high-energy single from the album Pyromania. It opens with a rapid-fire drum intro and slides into powerful guitar chords.
The lyrics celebrate living fast, rocking hard, and seizing the moment. With its memorable chorus, Gimme, gimme, gimme, rock and roll!, the song became a staple on rock radio.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 20, 1983 |
| Album | Rock of Ages: The Definitive Collection (2005) |
| Writer | Joe Elliott, Steve Clark & Robert John Lange |
| Producer | Robert John Lange |
Complete Lyrics of Rock of Ages
Spoken Intro: Robert “Mutt” Lange
Gunter glieben glauchen globen
Intro: Joe Elliott
All right
I got something to say, yeah
It’s better to burn out, yeah, than fade away
All right! Ow!
Gonna start a fire
C’mon
Verse 1: Joe Elliott
Rise up, gather ’round
Rock this place to the ground
Burn it up, let’s go for broke
Watch the night go up in smoke
Verse 2: Joe Elliott
Rock on (Rock on)
Drive me crazier
No serenade, no fire brigade
Just the pyromania, come on
Pre-Chorus: Joe Elliott
(What do ya want?) What do ya want?
(I want rock ‘n’ roll) Yes, I do
(Long live rock ‘n’ roll)
Verse 3: Joe Elliott
Oh, let’s go, let’s strike a light
We’re gonna blow like dynamite
I don’t care if it takes all night
Gonna set this town alight, c’mon
Pre-Chorus: Joe Elliott
(What do ya want?) What do ya want?
(I want rock ‘n’ roll) All right
(Long live rock ‘n’ roll) Oh, yeah, yeah!
Chorus: Joe Elliott
Rock of ages, rock of ages
Still rollin’, keep a-rollin’
Rock of ages, rock of ages
Still rollin’, rock ‘n’ rollin’
Bridge: Joe Elliott
We got the power, got the glory
Just say you need it
And if you need it, say yeah (Yeah!)
Ooh, yeah, heh-heh-heh-heh
Now listen to me
Verse 4: Joe Elliott
I’m burnin’, burnin’, I got the fever
I know for sure, there ain’t no cure
So feel it, don’t fight it, go with the flow
And gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme one more for the road, yeah
Pre-Chorus: Joe Elliott
(What do ya want?) What do ya want?
(I want rock ‘n’ roll) You betcha
(Long live rock ‘n’ roll) Now hit it
Guitar Solo
Chorus: Joe Elliott
Rock of ages, rock of ages
Still rollin’, keep a-rollin’
Rock of ages, rock of ages
Still rollin’, rock ‘n’ rollin’
Bridge: Joe Elliott
We got the power, got the glory
Just say you need it
And if you need it, say yeah (Yeah!)
Say yeah
Outro: Joe Elliott
We’re gonna burn this damn place down, woo-hoo
Down to the ground
Hee-hee-hee-hee-hee-hee-hee-heh-heh
Live Performance at the Whiskey A Go Go
Similar Songs Like Rock Of Ages
Check out some other songs that bring the same rock spirit in their own unique way.
- Pour Some Sugar on Me: This hit is one of Def Leppard’s most famous songs. It’s full of fun, catchy energy, and arena rock vibes.
- Photograph: With powerful vocals and emotional guitar work, this track blends heart and rock perfectly. It’s a fan favourite for good reason.
- Animal: This song brings a smooth and playful rhythm that’s easy to sing along with. It helped define the sound of the Hysteria album.
Similar Artists Like Def Leppard
Below are the bands that share the same energetic sound, catchy hooks, and memorable stage presence that made Def Leppard famous.
- Bon Jovi
Genre: Hard Rock / Arena Rock
Top albums: Slippery When Wet (1986), New Jersey (1988), Keep the Faith (1992), Crush (2000) - Whitesnake
Genre: Hard Rock / Glam Metal
Top albums: Whitesnake (1987), Slide It In (1984), Ready an’ Willing (1980), Lovehunter (1979) - Motley Crue
Genre: Glam Metal / Hard Rock
Top albums: Dr. Feelgood (1989), Shout at the Devil (1983), Girls, Girls, Girls (1987), Too Fast for Love (1981) - Poison
Genre: Glam Metal / Pop Rock
Top albums: Look What the Cat Dragged In (1986), Open Up and Say… Ahh! (1988), Flesh & Blood (1990), Native Tongue (1993) - Scorpions
Genre: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal
Top albums: Love at First Sting (1984), Blackout (1982), Crazy World (1990), Animal Magnetism (1980)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Role did a Church Hymn Book Play in Writing Rock of Ages?
Joe Elliott found the hymn Rock of Ages in a left-behind hymn book at the recording studio, which inspired the song’s title and chorus.
What Moved the Phrase Gunter Glieben Glauchen Globen at the Start?
Producer Mutt Lange invented this playful, German-sounding gibberish as a fun alternative to the usual “one, two, three, four” count-in before recording.
What Inspired the Lyrics of Rock of Ages?
The lyrics were inspired by a mix of chance (finding the hymn), faith (the biblical reference), and a desire to create a powerful anthem for rock fans.
