Bay City Rollers – Turn on the Radio

About the song

Few bands captured the youthful spirit and pop enthusiasm of the 1970s quite like the Bay City Rollers. Known for their tartan-clad image and energetic teen-pop anthems, the Scottish group dominated charts and hearts alike during their peak. While many fans immediately think of hits like “Saturday Night” or “Bye Bye Baby”, a lesser-known but equally compelling track in their catalog is “Turn on the Radio”. This song is a hidden gem that reflects the band’s evolving sound and their deep-rooted connection to the joy of music itself.

Released in the later years of their career, “Turn on the Radio” shows a more mature yet still vibrant version of the Bay City Rollers. Gone is some of the bubblegum innocence of their early days, replaced with a richer, more melodic arrangement that leans into pop-rock territory. The track opens with a confident beat and clean, bright instrumentation, instantly inviting listeners to settle in for a feel-good, reflective experience. What makes this song particularly engaging is its lyrical theme—one that many music lovers can relate to: the comforting, even healing, power of music.

The lyrics of “Turn on the Radio” speak directly to the experience of using music as a refuge, a companion, and a source of emotional renewal. Whether you’re feeling lost, lonely, or just in need of a little lift, the song suggests that all you need to do is press play and let the radio do the rest. It’s a celebration of how music connects us to memories, to feelings, and sometimes even to our better selves.

Vocally, the track features the familiar harmonies that the Bay City Rollers were known for, but with a slightly more grounded tone that reflects their growth as artists. There’s a sincerity in the performance that makes “Turn on the Radio” stand out—not just as a catchy tune, but as a warm, heartfelt message to anyone who’s ever found solace in a song.

In many ways, “Turn on the Radio” is not just about music—it’s for music lovers. It’s a tribute to that universal moment when a favorite song unexpectedly comes through the speakers and everything else just fades away. For longtime fans of the Bay City Rollers, this track offers a nostalgic yet fresh reminder of why they fell in love with the band in the first place. For newer listeners, it’s an invitation to rediscover the depth behind the band’s pop persona.

Video

Lyrics

Make an early air ride then you crash your car
Tripping out on Sunday when you find you’re a star
New York on Monday when your LA was fine
So you take another jet stream and get lost in your wine
Everybody wants to be somebody but nobody wants to give the time
Down the line East 65th Street on my mind
Turn on the radio, radio
Sing it everywhere
Turn on the radio, radio
And what do you care
Turn on the radio, radio
There’s love in the air
It’s just the price you have to pay
For your ride on Saturday
Turn on the radio
The radio, it’s just the price you have to pay
Well, standing on the corner when she catches your eye
Offers twenty twenty dollars for a twin it’s on your mind
So you take another ‘Lude’ and you shoot another dime
‘Cos your money is the power but your ego’s on the line
Everybody wants to give the time
To blow your mind, to satisfy your ego
Turn on the radio, radio
Sing it everywhere
Turn on the radio, radio
There’s loving in the air
Turn on the radio, radio
And what do you care
The radio, the radio
Good morning, you wake up
The smoke gets in your eyes
You turn on, you listen
It’s only you in disguise
But it’s the price you have to pay
Turn on the radio, radio
Sing it everywhere
And what do you care
Turn on the radio, radio
There’s loving in the air
It’s just the price you have to pay
For your ride on Saturday
Turn on the radio
It’s just the price you have to pay