In Defense of Patti Smith's "Rock 'N' Roll Nigger"

This post may be offensive to some and I mean no disrespect to those who find the N-word repellent. It is with good reason that this word elicits such a strong reaction. When racists say this word, it is the verbal equivalent of a sledgehammer to the head. In fact, use of the N-word has led to physical confrontations and deaths. The word is derogatory, repugnant, and hurtful. And then there's Patti Smith's song "Rock 'N' Roll Nigger."

When I first heard this song, it was on the Natural Born Killers soundtrack. This song literally knocked me off my feet. Of course, my first reaction was to ask "Did she say what I think she said?" Yepper. In fact, Patti says the N-word 12 times in this song. (At one point she says it 7 times in a row.) I played the song a few more times. And a few more times. And a few more. Like a Grand Cyclops at a Klan rally, I found myself getting more amped with each listen. How can it be that this Black woman is so enamored with the song "Rock 'N' Roll Nigger, a song written by (gasp!) a White woman?"

Consider the context in which the word is used - that is, if you're still reading this post. Smith is not being racist when she says nigger in this song. Crazy but true. When she uses the N-word - because Rock N' Roll Peckerwood or Rock N' Roll White Trash doesn't have as much bite, I suppose - she is using it to refer to the undesirables in society. The nonconformists. The "Other." What more effective way to illustrate this point than to use the ugliest word in the English language. Taken in this context, the artists ("Jackson Pollock") are niggers. Rock musicians ("Jimi Hendrix") are niggers - although her use of the N-word here can be taken literally as well as figuratively. Hell, she even calls Jesus Christ and what sounds like her "Grandma" niggers. The chorus of the song is "Outside of society/Is where I want to be." With lyrics like these, Smith is using the N-word not to degrade but to empower. This song is meant to be a fist-pumping anthem. She's praising the "Other" in society and giving them the sonic power to transcend the word or to wear it as a badge of honor. It is the same reasoning behind African-American men and rappers calling each other "my Nigga." These men, like Patti, are taking the hate out of the word. For them, the N-word is a term of endearment. Still, use of the N-word is a slippery slope and one should do so with extreme caution - and thought - if at all. Strangely, it is because of this song that I became a Patti Smith fan and bought her album Easter, which features this song. It is also because of this song that I can call Patti Smith not only a fucking goddess but a Sistah and a Nigger. ;-D

Happy Birthday Bob Dylan!

Rock On, Sistahs! wishes a very Happy Birthday to Robert Allen Zimmerman who signs his checks as Bob Dylan. Rock and Roll would be extremely different and the world would be a darker place without you!

Ronnie James Dio (1942 – 2010)

The world lossed another music pioneer when Ronnie James Dio passed away last week. Rest In Peace, Sir and Thank You! (Put your Devil Horns in the air!)

Hey Ya'll, Rock On, Sistahs Is A Year Old! Howl If You Hear Me!

Yes, my Rock On, Sistahs Fam, this wee blog is a year old. In the span of said year, I have produced 264 posts - this one is my 265th - and have amassed 9 KICKASS followers, whom I love with all my heart and soul. I love ya'll because ya'll know that Rock music is not just music to be enjoyed by a some but all, especially the Sistahs. I created this blog because I was sick of reading Rock music articles and blog posts written by mostly White men. Now, I have nothing against White men - being engaged to one and all - but they aren't the only ones who dig Rock music or have an opinion about it. Rock, On Sistahs is my chance to represent and encourage other Sistahs to proclaim their love of Rock music from their corner of the world. After all, Women of Color were Rock's pioneers and continue to contribute to this style of music. Personally, when I attempt to engage in a substantial conversation about Rock Music with Sistahs in my neck of the woods - particularly the ones in my family - I'm met with looks of disbelief, bewilderment, and borederline disgust. Being a lover of Rock music has made me a freak of nature, a lone wolf of sorts without anyone to discuss my fondness for this particular brand of music. With Rock, On Sistahs, I'm letting my freak flag fly - to borrow a phrase. And to all the other lone (she)wolves out there, you are not alone. A full moon has ascended. Let's howl as the branches quiver and break.