I think the idea is that rock-n-roll would make composers like Beethoven roll over in their graves, in despair over what music has become.

It probably has something to do with the dog beethoven.

Nothing, the song rocks.

G'day Yohoho5, Thank you for your question. It is a statement that Beethoven and Tchaikovsky would roll over in their graves if they heard rhythm and blues music. It was originally a hit for Chuck Berry in 1956. It was a staple of the Beatles early live shows and featured on their second British album With The Beatles with George Harrison on lead vocals. It has been covered by every rock band and his dog since 1956. The Electric Light Orchestra or ELO had a top 10 UK hit with an eight minute version starting with a piece of Beethoven. They would close their shows with it. I have attached sources for your reference. Regards Wikipedia Roll Over Beethoven http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll_Over_Beethoven

Because... if Beethoven could hear what music has become.... but, at least we have no need to worry of him hearing. But he'd roll over in his grave, without a dobut, as would most past musicans.

I always thought it was like the kids' song where "the little one said, 'Roll Over.'" I thought it was about making room for the new musicians. But when I looked up the lyrics I was surprised to see that "Roll Over" was used in the context of encouraging them to dance. ("Roll it over and move on up...") http://www.chuckberry.com/music/lyrics/beethoven.htm Roll Over Beethoven I'm gonna write a little letter, gonna mail it to my local DJ It's a rockin' rhythm record I want my jockey to play Roll Over Beethoven, I gotta hear it again today You know, my temperature's risin' and the jukebox blows a fuse My heart's beatin' rhythm and my soul keeps on singin' the blues Roll Over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news I got the rockin' pneumonia, I need a shot of rhythm and blues I think I'm rollin' arthritis sittin' down by the rhythm review Roll Over Beethoven rockin' in two by two Well, if you feel you like it go get your lover, then reel and rock it Roll it over and move on up just a trifle further and reel and rock it, roll it over, Roll Over Beethoven rockin' in two by two Well, early in the mornin' I'm a givin' you a warnin' don't you step on my blue suede shoes Hey diddle diddle, I am playin' my fiddle, ain't got nothin' to lose Roll Over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news You know she wiggles like a glow worm, dance like a spinnin' top She got a crazy partner, oughta see 'em reel and rock Long as she got a dime the music will never stop Roll Over Beethoven, Roll Over Beethoven, Roll Over Beethoven, Roll Over Beethoven, Roll Over Beethoven and dig these rhythm and blues