Shake Rattle And Roll (1956) Poem by stephen west

When I heard all the balladeers, and big bands, I thought “Neat”.
But one day Rock and Roll came by with a boogie-woogie beat.

The whole world changed in 18 months as youngsters got the chance
To say their piece in their own songs, and dance a different dance.

Lively, quick, exuberant, and dark subversive too.
New poets writing newer lines, and humour squeezing through.

A brash new way of thinking for all under twenty three.
And a sad and staid reaction from those who could not see
That for people who poo-pooed it since Rock and Roll begun.
The over-riding point was missed, .
Rock and Roll was FUN!