In the world of contemporary pop music there are music people and there are lyrics people. I’ve never really been into lyrics. The words to a song can certainly augment my enjoyment of a song, but they are rarely the reason I like a song. Contrarily, a phrase of melody can bring me to tears. Despite that, like most people, there are lots of songs I know the words to. I do notice that songs I know extremely well I often just make up words to when I sing along. But still, there are many songs, by sheer repeated plays, whose words I’ve come to know. For today’s song challenge, I thought I would pick a song whose lyrics I think are clever, well crafted, and memorable. That song is Barracuda by Heart.
I think songs that are written about something very specific often have the best lyrics. Barracuda is a scathing warning to young up and coming rock stars about the dangers and sleaziness of record company executives, something Ann and Nancy Wilson learned about first hand when they were just starting out back in the mid-70s. Mushroom records took a promotional photo taken of Ann and Nancy for the Dreamboat Annie album, and published it with an article with the quote, “It was only our first time…” implying that the two were lesbian lovers. Please… they’re sisters. After the success of the first album, Heart changed record labels and a legal battle ensued. Ann’s lyrics, and the metaphor of the record company executive as the cold, vicious barracuda are creative and spot on. Enjoy this terrific television clip of the original line-up performing this classic song.
And the lyrics:
Barracuda
Heart
(A.Wilson/N.Wilson/R.Fisher)
So this ain’t the end – I saw you again today
Had to turn my heart away
You smiled like the Sun – kisses for everyone
and tales – it never fails!
You lying so low in the weeds
Bet you gonna ambush me
You’d have me down on my knees
Wouldn’t you, Barracuda?
Back over Time when we were all trying for free
Met up with porpoise and me
No right no wrong you’re selling a Song – a name
whisper game
If the real thing don’t do the trick
You better make up something quick
You gonna burn it out to the wick
aren’t you, Barracuda?
“Sell me sell you” the porpoise said
Dive down deep to save my head
You… I think you got the blues too.
All that night and all the next
Swam without looking back
Made for the western pools -silly fools!