Cradle Of Love

Rock the cradle with Billy Idol's "Cradle Of Love"! This infectious 1990 smash hit blends Hard Rock energy with undeniable rock and roll swagger. Fueled by a driving beat and Idol's signature charisma (and an iconic music video), it became a massive global success story for the artist.

Released in 1990 from the album Charmed Life, "Cradle Of Love" continued Billy Idol's string of major hits into the new decade. While fitting under the Hard Rock umbrella popular at the time, the song features a distinct, driving rhythm heavily influenced by classic rock and roll and boogie styles, showcasing a slightly different feel from some of his earlier work.

"Cradle Of Love" soared to #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, boosted significantly by its stylish, award-winning music video directed by David Fincher (cleverly shot around Idol's recovery from a motorcycle accident). Nominated for a Grammy, the song remains one of Billy Idol's most popular tracks, celebrated for its infectious energy and enduring rock and roll appeal even today, April 13, 2025.

SONG MEANING: "Cradle Of Love" uses the metaphor of being intensely rocked in a cradle to describe the overwhelming and consuming feeling of powerful love, lust, or infatuation. The lyrics speak of being completely swept away by passion ("Rock the cradle of love," "Love's coming over you," "It'll burn you up"), potentially losing rational control ("It takes a fool to learn the rules"), and surrendering to the irresistible force of attraction.