Starship – We Built This City: Lyrics and Music Video

"We Built This City" by Starship is one of the most iconic—and polarizing—songs of the 1980s. Released in 1985 as the lead single from the album Knee Deep in the Hoopla, the song was a massive commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, Dennis Lambert, and Peter Wolf, the song expresses frustration with the music industry and pays homage to the rock music scene in San Francisco. With its upbeat sound, catchy chorus, and commentary on corporate influence in the music world, "We Built This City" became a pop culture phenomenon and a symbol of 80s music.

Key Details:

• Release Date: August 1985
• Album: Knee Deep in the Hoopla
• Writers: Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, Dennis Lambert, Peter Wolf
• Producer: Peter Wolf

Themes and Meaning:

• Celebration of Rock Culture: The song serves as a tribute to rock culture and the music scene, particularly as it existed in the 1960s and 1970s. It captures the spirit of a generation that believed in music as a force for change and freedom.

• Critique of Corporate Influence: At its core, the song also critiques the commercialization of music, portraying the tension between the rock music scene and corporate interests that increasingly dictated the industry.

Lyrics Overview:

The memorable chorus reflects the song’s themes of nostalgia and defiance:

• "We built this city on rock and roll!"

This line highlights the band’s pride in rock as an art form and the foundational role it plays in the band’s identity.

Musical Style:

• Synth-Heavy Pop Rock: "We Built This City" uses prominent synthesizers, catchy guitar riffs, and upbeat percussion, embodying the quintessential 80s pop rock sound.

• Dynamic Vocals by Grace Slick: Grace Slick’s commanding vocals add intensity to the song, contrasting with the bright, radio-friendly production and giving it a rebellious edge.

Commercial Success:

• Chart Performance:
  • The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, and it also achieved high chart positions in several countries worldwide, solidifying Starship's presence in the pop and rock scenes.

Despite mixed critical reviews, "We Built This City" enjoyed widespread popularity and became a defining track of the 1980s.

Background and Creation:

• Reinvention of Jefferson Starship: By the mid-80s, the original Jefferson Starship lineup had evolved into Starship, a more commercially oriented version of the band, which embraced a synth-driven pop sound. "We Built This City" marked this new chapter.

• Lyricism by Bernie Taupin: Best known for his work with Elton John, Taupin’s involvement brought a sense of irony and deeper critique to the song, layering the anthem with an unexpected level of introspection on the changing music industry.

Legacy and Reception:

• Controversial Reception: While "We Built This City" was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews from critics. Over time, it has become known as both a beloved 80s anthem and a "guilty pleasure," sometimes appearing on lists of both the best and worst songs of the decade.

• Cultural Impact: Despite the polarized opinions, the song's message about the music industry resonates, and its catchy chorus has ensured it a lasting place in pop culture.

• Signature Song for Starship: Although Starship had several hits, "We Built This City" is perhaps their most recognized song and has become synonymous with their name.

Cultural Impact:

• Staple of 80s Nostalgia: "We Built This City" is often used in media and pop culture to evoke the 80s era. Its catchy, synth-driven sound is emblematic of the decade’s pop music trends.

• Exploration of Industry Themes: The song’s themes have sparked discussions about the evolution of the music industry, and it is often referenced in debates about the commercialization of music.

In Summary:

"We Built This City" by Starship is an anthem celebrating the spirit of rock and roll while critiquing the corporate influence on the music industry. Released in 1985, it became a commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite mixed critical reception, the song has remained a memorable piece of 80s pop culture, cherished by fans for its nostalgic value and catchy chorus.