Roll Over Beethoven by The Beatles is a rock and roll song that celebrates the energetic and rebellious spirit of rock and roll music, while also paying homage to classical music figures such as Ludwig van Beethoven. The lyrics suggest a passing of the torch from classical music to rock and roll, reflecting the cultural shift of the time. Key themes include the excitement of rock and roll, the desire for change, and the youthful exuberance of embracing new music. Poignant moments include the repetitive call to 'roll over Beethoven' which symbolizes rejecting the old in favor of the new, and the mention of 'Tchaikovsky' which continues the homage to classical composers, but within the context of rock's dominance.