Cheap Trick Version
The subject of "Gonna Raise Hell" has been disputed. Some authors, such as Ira Robbins of Trouser Press, have believed that the song was about the Jonestown Massacre. However, the song was written before that event. Allmusic critic Tom Maginnis claims that the song is about having a good time despite the apathy in the world; since we can't change the world "we might as well raise some hell." Composer Rick Nielsen claims that the song is about "religious, political and nuclear fanatics." Listeners have discerned a backwards message in the song saying "You know Satan holds the keys."
"Gonna Raise Hell" has a disco beat. At one point the band was planning to issue a 12" disco record of the song. The guitar melody played by Rick Nielsen mostly follows that of the vocals. Both Allmusic's Maginnis and Trouser Press' Robbins praise Tom Petersson's strong bass line. The song contains an interlude for violins and cellos that was scored by Rick and Jai Winding. According to drummer Bun E. Carlos, producer Tom Werman enhanced the snare drum sound on the recording by overdubbing the sound of two wooden boards hitting each other.
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