Do You Want ‘Roadrunner’ or ‘Dream On’ for State Rock Song?
A little more than a week after a bill was filed to make “Roadrunner” by The Modern Lovers the state’s official rock song, two legislators responded by filing their own bill to make Aerosmith’s “Dream On” the anthem. “(“Dream On” is a) classic ballad that’s all about holding on to your dreams and seizing opportunity,” Rep. Josh Cutler (D-Duxbury) said. Cutler is co-sponsoring the bill with Rep. James Cantwell (D-Marshfield). The two songs represent very different stories, both about rock and roll, and about Massachusetts. One is a buoyant tribute to the thrill of being young in Massachusetts, speeding down Route 128. The other is a wistful look back by a Boston band that was just at its beginnings as one of the most famous in rock history. When asked, Gov. Deval Patrick told reporters Monday that he hasn’t considered which song, if any, he prefers for the state rock song. What do you think? Should “Roadrunner” become the state rock song, should “Dream On,” or should neither? South End Patch
Legislation Filed to Make ‘Roadrunner’ State Rock Song
Massachusetts already has a state polka (“Say Hello to Someone from Massachusetts,” anybody?) and a state glee club song among its eight anthems, but the state that produced The Pixies, Aerosmith and The Cars is missing its own rock song. But that could change soon. Rep. Martin Walsh (D-Dorchester) filed legislation last week to make “Roadrunner,” by The Modern Lovers the state rock song. In “Roadrunner,” Natick native Jonathan Richman croons about Stop & Shop, Route 128 and “the modern sounds of modern Massachusetts.” And “Roadrunner” could be the only rock song that has the lyrics “I’m in love with Massachusetts.” “This is about acknowledging an artist from Massachusetts who’s obviously had a very good career and one of his masterpieces outlines our Commonwealth. Why not recognize the people that have helped us become such a great place?” Walsh told the Boston Phoenix. To drum up enthusiasm for the bill, Walsh and publicist Joyce Linehan, who came up with the idea of making “Roadrunner” the state rock song, started a Facebook page on which people could show their support. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had 1,318 “likes.” After all, if Ohio and Oklahoma can rock their own rock songs, why can’t Massachusetts? SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Categories: Arrests Tags: 'Roadrunner', Filed, legislation, Rock, Song, state