We Want The Airwaves

Album: Pleasant Dreams (1981)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This rebellious song is Joey Ramone's declaration that he wants real rock songs played on radio stations (the "airwaves"). The song never achieved full anthem status, but it was a live favorite on their Pleasant Dreams tour.
  • The Ramones, a critically adored band with a fervent following, always seemed to be one piece away from a breakout hit. In an effort to get there, they tried different producers - Phil Spector did their previous album, End of the Century. Pleasant Dreams was produced by Graham Gouldman, a member of the band 10cc who wrote several pop hits, including "For Your Love" by The Yardbirds. Even Gouldman couldn't muster a hit, however, and this song failed to chart.

Comments: 1

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganThe Ramones tried so hard to have a hit, but couldn't get it. Now the standard for punk bands (at least if they want any credibility) is to intentionally stay underground. Kinda funny how that works.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Music Video Director David Hogan

Music Video Director David HoganSong Writing

David talks about videos he made for Prince, Alabama, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, DMB, Melissa Etheridge and Sisters of Mercy.

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Carl Sturken

Carl SturkenSongwriter Interviews

Hitmaker Carl Sturken on writing and producing for Rihanna, 'N Sync, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Donny Osmond, Shakira and Karyn White.