Billy Squier - Out of The 80's
If one were to discuss rock and roll hits of the 1980s they would be hard pressed not to include tunes from Billy Squier.
Squier jumped into the 1980s with both feet and created several very memorable hits. There was also a music video that virtually ended his stay on the charts and nearly his career.
Let's take a look back at Billy Squier's rise and fall from grace.
Image Credit: Amazon.com
The Stroke
The Stroke was released in 1980 on the Don't Say No album. It became an international hit. The lyrics were misleading and the rhythm intoxicating to the young and old alike. The lyrics seemed to have very strong sexual self-gratifying connotation.
In truth, the song was about the music business, recording contracts, and the way musicians were seduced into signing them and then subsequently dropped if they didn't produce chart toppers.
Listen again and see if you hear it now.
The Stroke
By Billy Squier
If you're in the game, then the strokes the word
Don't take no rhythm, don't take no style
Got a thirst for killin', grab your vial and ...
Put your right hand out, give a firm hand-shake
Talk to me about that one big break...
Spread your ear-pollution both far and wide...
Keep your contributions by your side and stroke me, stroke me
Could be a winner boy, you move quite well...
Stroke me, stroke me...
Stroke me, stroke me...
You got your number down...
Stroke me, stroke me...
Stroke me, stroke me...
Say you're a winner but man you're just a sinner now
..........................
Be Honest Now!
What was your initial reaction to the song The Stroke?
I truly believed it was a dirty song and still find it to be so.
ElleDeeEsse says:
I honestly never really listened to the lyrics in this song before but listening to them now it's difficult to think it is anything but a sexual theme. Perhaps that's the point - what the industry represents
Dkprincess6 says:
I always thought it was about sex, but it's still a great song. It always gets me dancing around when I'm listening to it.
misslynn45 says:
The lyrics were suggestive in a "homosexual persuasion" kind of way! I think his fall from grace in my city was the dance he did with the drummer to the song "too daze gone" ... you could hear the audience go "ohhhhh" .. although The Stroke brought everyone back to life! the next year - hardly anyone stayed for his concert. He has not been back since. The pink tank top confirms our theory!
sandyspider says:
I know it is a dirty song, but it does have a nice beat. I have to admit that I like it.
24websurf says:
Even though I know what the song is about, the words are sure to make you think otherwise. Love the song!
I knew it all along! The Stroke was about the music industry!
KimGiancaterino says:
Judging from my husband's music royalty checks, I'd say Billy Squier has their number!
Margaret_Schaut says:
I thought it was a double entendre....
drifter0658 says:
I know what the song is all about...I'd still rather think about in a nasty, grinding, sliding, and a hand shuffling way.
My Kinda Lover
My Kinda Lover was a follow-up single release and also successful on the charts. In fact the entire Don't Say No album would receive radio play.
Don't Say No reached the Top 5 and lasted over two years on Billboard's album chart at 111 weeks. It sold nearly 4 million copies in the US. What makes this album so different from many other albums is the longevity of the tracks, many of which still receive recognition on "classic rock" radio stations.
My Kinda Lover
Everbody Wants You
Emotions in Motion was released in 1982.
The cover art was created by Andy Warhol. It is Squier's second best selling album after Don't Say No. It made #5 on the Billboard album chart and contains the hit song Everbody Wants You, which hit #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and held at #1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for 6 weeks.
Emotions in Motion received a Double Platinum award in 1991. Billy Squier wrote the entire album's tracks himself.
Find Billy Squier on eBay
Rock Me Tonight
The Fall from Grace
The video for the track, Rock Me Tonight (directed by Kenny Ortega - Xanadu, High School Musical) which shows Billy Squier dancing around a bedroom in a pink tank top, frequently appears on "worst music video ever" lists.
Though the song was a hit, the video seems to have subsequently ended his chart career.
Rock Me Tonight
Bill Squier Merchandise
Billy Squier Twitter Search
Amazon Search
What's Happening with Billy Squier Now?
William "Billy" Haislip Squier is now a little older and can still be found rocking on his website. The fan club gives more information but he has been on tour with Ringo Starr (as seen in the photo). His tour dates for the All Night Long Tour 2009 are listed there as well as fan merchandise.
There are also interviews and new music! If you are a Billy Squier fan or were in the past, I encourage you to visit his site and take a look around. You may find just what you are looking for now!
Were You A Billy Squier Fan?
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uneasywriter
May 20, 2012 @ 11:20 pm | delete
- I saw Billy Squier at the Gorge Amphitheater, I believe it was 2001. It was legendary! I have featured this lens in my "The Best Classic Rock Lenses".
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Draconius May 16, 2012 @ 11:29 pm | delete
- Billy Squier is really good saw him back in the 1980's in Little Rock and he really stole the show as a opening act for other bands.
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Tipi
May 4, 2012 @ 11:08 am | delete
- Stopping back to catch up on Billy again, whew, its two years since I stopped over!...*
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grega85
Apr 1, 2012 @ 6:01 am | delete
- Yes I was.
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KimGiancaterino Mar 30, 2012 @ 11:46 pm | delete
- I love Billy Squier ... good to see a lens on his music.
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I'm a Billy Squier Fan
by 24websurf
Hi I'm Holley, a Squid Angel, mom to one 19 year old son and a one large furry kid. I'm also coupon shopper who loves to save and stockpile!... more »
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