Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle
Encyclopedia
"Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle" (also known as "How Do You Afford Your Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle") is the debut single by Sacramento
alternative rock
band Cake
. This song was first played by KWOD (now known as KBZC). It was later released on Cake's debut album, Motorcade of Generosity
. Only 500 copies were issued.
The lyrics point out that "excess ain't rebellion", but that the person is "drinking what they're selling"; basically, buying the whole lifestyle image of one of rebellion, but it's nothing but excess for no reason.
The matrix number on the vinyl was taken from an item in a Long's Drug newspaper ad - there was no significance to this, there just had to be a number for the pressing company.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band Cake
Cake (band)
Cake is an American alternative rock band from Sacramento, California. Consisting of singer John McCrea, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, guitarist Xan McCurdy, bassist Gabe Nelson and drummer Paulo Baldi, the band has been noted for McCrea's sarcastic lyrics and deadpan voice, DiFiore's trumpet parts, and...
. This song was first played by KWOD (now known as KBZC). It was later released on Cake's debut album, Motorcade of Generosity
Motorcade of Generosity
Motorcade of Generosity is the first studio album by American alternative rock band Cake. It was released on 7 February 1994 on Capricorn Records.-Reissue:...
. Only 500 copies were issued.
Lyrics
The song sarcastically pokes fun at details the life of a rock fan who tries to show how cool he is by living a life of drinking, drugs, and music. It's all about the style of being a rock fan more than having any true passion for music.The lyrics point out that "excess ain't rebellion", but that the person is "drinking what they're selling"; basically, buying the whole lifestyle image of one of rebellion, but it's nothing but excess for no reason.
Sleeve and Matrix Number
The sleeve for this single was xeroxed onto a manila envelope, then end of which was then cut off to make it the correct size.The matrix number on the vinyl was taken from an item in a Long's Drug newspaper ad - there was no significance to this, there just had to be a number for the pressing company.
Chart positions
| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Modern Rock Tracks (US) | 31 |