Rave On – PowerPop… An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture

This song is always played when I’m in a Buddy Holly mood and even when I’m not. This song is so Buddy Holly. What I mean is he doesn’t complicate it; he just infuses this simple song with energy, and the result tells it all. This is the kind of song that makes you remember why rock ’n’ roll mattered in the first place. It’s not about overthinking, it’s about fun.

The title was inspired by the 1956 Sun Records recording “Dixie Fried” by Carl Perkins, which uses the refrain “rave on.” The B-side was Holly’s composition “Take Your Time“. Petty’s production gave the song just enough polish without sanding down all the grit. I think Holly understood that a song could be a bolt of lightning, two minutes of pure adrenaline.

This was written by Sonny West, Bill Tilghman, and Norman Petty and recorded in January 1958 at Petty’s New Mexico studio, where Holly laid down most of his hits. Petty wanted to give it to another act, but Holly protested and persuaded the songwriters to let him record it. Holly and the Crickets transformed it into the definitive version.

Every time I hear Rave On, I picture a small garage with a beat-up amp, drums, a cheap guitar, and a group of kids who believe they can play rock music. And thanks to Buddy, they can.

The song peaked at #5 in the UK, #12 in Canada, and #37 on the Billboard 100 in 1958.

Rave On

A we-a-e-a-ell
The little things you say and do
Make me want to be with you-a-hoo
Rave on, it’s a crazy feelin’ and
I know it’s got me reelin’
When you say, I love you, rave on

The way you dance and hold me tight
The way you kiss and say goodni-hi-hight
Rave on, it’s a crazy feelin’ and-a
I know it’s got me reelin’
When you say, I love you, rave on

A-well rave on, it’s a crazy feelin’ and
I know, it’s got me reelin’
I’m so glad, that you’re revealin’
Your love for me
Rave on, rave on and tell me
Tell me, not to be lonely
Tell me, you love me only
Rave on to me

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Buddy Holly – Rave On