About the song
“Rumble” by Link Wray is a groundbreaking instrumental track that has left an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll. Released in 1958, this iconic piece stands out not just for its innovative sound but also for its cultural impact. Link Wray, a pioneering guitarist known for his raw and powerful style, composed “Rumble” with the help of his brother, Doug Wray, and bandmate Shorty Horton.
The track was featured on the album “Link Wray & The Wraymen,” showcasing the band’s unique blend of rock and roll with a gritty, rebellious edge. What sets “Rumble” apart is its use of distortion and feedback, techniques that were revolutionary at the time and would go on to influence countless musicians and genres, including punk and heavy metal.
“Rumble” reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, a significant achievement for an instrumental track, especially one that was initially banned from several radio stations for its purportedly “dangerous” sound. The song’s raw energy and the menacing tone conveyed through Wray’s masterful guitar work were unlike anything that had been heard before. The title “Rumble” itself suggested street fights and youthful rebellion, adding to its edgy appeal.
Despite its instrumental nature, “Rumble” tells a powerful story through its music alone. The heavy use of power chords and the haunting melody evoke a sense of tension and defiance that resonated with the youth of the era. Its influence is undeniable, with legends like Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, and Jimi Hendrix citing Link Wray as a major influence on their own playing styles.
For many older listeners, “Rumble” brings back memories of a transformative period in music history. It symbolizes the raw, unfiltered spirit of rock and roll and the birth of a new sound that challenged the norms of its time. Link Wray’s “Rumble” is not just a song but a piece of musical history that continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
Video
Lyrics
I’m sleeping, sleeping to encompass myself
I wake up, wake up then distribute what’s left
With my anger well diffused
The link to love I now may choose
With my heart no more abused
The link of love I now may use
I’m sleeping, sleeping to develop myself
I wake up, wake up then relinquish what’s left
With my anger well diffused
The link to love I now may choose
With my heart no more abused
The link of love I now may use
Well I was caught by your lies spinnin’
Then was saved by truth’s opinion
All’s quiet now
With my anger well diffused
The link to love I now may choose
With my heart no more abused
The link of love I now may use
With my anger well diffused
The link to love I now may choose
With my heart no more abused
The link of love I now may use
The link to love I may choose
The link of love I may use