Five fantastic 1970s songs with fascinating backstories

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I’ve had the pleasure of listening to some truly remarkable stories behind iconic songs throughout history. These tales of inspiration and creation are as captivating as the music itself.

Reflecting once more on the 1970s, I’m struck by how vibrant and diverse the music scene was during that time. It wasn’t just about classic rock ‘n’ roll, but also a melting pot of various artists and genres. And let’s not forget the revolutionary spirit of music with punk rock emerging as a powerful force.

Despite the immense pressure and rapid emergence of various music genres during the 1970s, writers managed to compose numerous timeless classics. These songs, many of which still resonate strongly today, demonstrate their enduring quality.

I often find myself pondering over the backstories of certain songs and how they came to be. What were the inspirations behind their creation or the stories hidden within their lyrics? For instance, Eric Clapton’s “Layla” was famously written for Patti Boyd, while Syd Barrett is the subject of Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” Though some may mix up the titles and mistakenly believe that “Wish You Were Here” is about Barrett.

Five fantastic 1970s songs and their story

Instead of focusing on the same stories, how about we explore some various tales? I’d like to share with you five fantastic songs from the 1970s created by exceptional artists. Each one comes with an intriguing backstory to share.

Stranglers – “No More Heroes”

As a longtime fan of punk music, I can confidently say that “No More Heroes” by The Stranglers stood out from the crowd with its unique sound and style. Unlike many other punk bands, they didn’t just follow the trend; instead, they blazed their own trail with their distinctive keyboards, Jean-Jacques Burnel’s powerful bass hooks, and Hugh Cornwell’s clever and thought-provoking lyrics.

Growing up in the late 70s, I was deeply influenced by popular culture. Two figures stood out to me above all others: Elvis Presley and Groucho Marx. So when I read Cornwell’s lyrics penned back then, I was struck by his poignant reference to these two cultural giants. It was an unusual combination, a blend of rock ‘n’ roll rebel and comedic genius – both had left an indelible mark on me.

In Cornwell’s early version of the song, he searched for a fitting rhyme to match Helen Shapiro. The term “Shakespearoes” seemed appropriate, but the words didn’t quite harmonize. A quick adjustment to “Whatever happened to all the heroes, the Shakespearoes?” took hold and sparked curiosity about its significance. In retrospect, we spent excessively long trying to decipher a nonexistent message instead of embracing the flow of rhythm and rhyme.

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Free – “All Right Now”

Growing up in the 70s, I was deeply immersed in music culture, and Free’s songs were a staple in my household. Hearing “What a banger” this track is now brings back fond memories of my youth. With its instantly recognizable guitar riffs, powerful rhythm, and catchy chorus line, it’s no wonder why this classic song from Free has stood the test of time. I can only imagine the creativity and dedication it took to produce such a masterpiece.

After a disappointing gig in front of barely 30 uninterested spectators in Durham, I, as a member of the band, found myself struggling to write a song that would lift our spirits. The performance hadn’t gone well, and morale was low. In an attempt to turn things around, our bass player Andy Fraser began to strum out a tune on the piano and sing about finding solace in the moment.

I was thrilled when Paul Kossoff transformed that melody into guitar chords, bringing us closer to completing the song. The following day, as I waited for a ride to our next gig, Paul Rodgers penned down the heartfelt lyrics that would later capture the essence of our track. Initially, Fraser and the band saw it as a lighthearted filler tune. However, Island Records boss Chris Blackwell’s determination to release it as our second single changed everything.

In May 1970, before the release of Free’s third album “Fire and Water,” they put out the hit single “All Right Now.” This song reached the second spot in the UK charts and the fourth position on the Billboard 100. The success of this single significantly contributed to the album becoming Free’s best seller, peaking at number two in the UK and 17 in the US charts. All of this started from a humble beginning following a disappointing performance.

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Squeeze – “Cool For Cats”

At times, inspiration can suddenly hit like the Free song mentioned above, leading to the creation of an impressive melody. For Squeeze, this moment came before their first UK top-ten hit. Glenn Tilbrook had already composed the tune’s foundation and shared it with Chris Difford, who served as the lyricist. However, the lyrics didn’t fit seamlessly, and the outcome would be drastically different from what we know today.

Instead of discarding the initial phrases, Difford opted for a fresh attempt. He returned home and settled in front of the TV with it playing in the background. An unexpected muse struck him during an episode of The Benny Hill Show, featuring Jake Thackray as a guest that week. Thackery’s unique style and rhythmic delivery, characterized by a clipped meter, intrigued Difford. He adopted this technique and swiftly penned down the lyrics for “Cool For Cats,” which we are familiar with today, at a faster pace than Tilbrook had composed.

One possible paraphrase for “It all clicked into place” could be “Everything fell into place,” or “All the pieces came together.” In this context, it means that Tilbrook was able to create a new version of his music that perfectly fit with the new lyrics, resulting in a classic song and increased success for Squeeze. The unexpected collaboration between Tilbrook and UK comedian Hill contributed significantly to this achievement.

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Bob Dylan – “Hurricane”

Bob Dylan has consistently demonstrated exceptional songwriting skills throughout his career. By blending storytelling with protests and infusing his distinct voice and excellent music, he’s produced numerous masterpieces. A noteworthy illustration of this can be found in his 1976 release, “Hurricane,” which showcases this style in a slightly varied form.

I’ve been deeply moved by the eight-minute masterpiece penned by Dylan in collaboration with Jacques Levy. This powerful song tells the compelling story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer who was unjustly imprisoned for the murders of three individuals back in 1966. From the very first line, Dylan’s intense voice draws you in and sets the stage dramatically. The lyrics, inspired by Levy’s playwriting skills, perfectly complement the cinematic style Dylan aimed for and the impact of their collaboration truly shines through.

In the stillness of the barroom night, gunshots echo ominously. Suddenly, Patty Valentine emerges from the upstairs hallway. Upon seeing the bartender lying in a pool of blood, she cries out in shock, “Oh my God, they’ve killed everyone!”

Dylan was deeply moved by the Carter case and decided to meet him before his second court hearing. This encounter inspired Dylan to write a song, and he sought assistance from Levy. At a concert held at Madison Square Garden in December 1975, Dylan raised more than $100,000 for Carter’s legal defense. However, Carter was found guilty once again during the second trial. Yet, his convictions were overturned in 1988 when a court determined that he had been unfairly prosecuted.

Although this song is fantastic, Dylan adds an element of enigma by unexpectedly ceasing to perform it live. He last played it in May 1976 during a concert in Texas. The motives behind his decision remain unclear, with Dylan possibly believing the piece doesn’t translate well to live performances or simply feeling that its relevance has waned. Other explanations are less likely due to the song’s inclusion on later compilation albums, like the “Essential Bob Dylan” album from 2000.

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Led Zeppelin – “Rock And Roll”

In 1971, Led Zeppelin unveiled the impressive “Led Zeppelin IV” album, featuring the lively and frantic track “Rock And Roll.” This tune boasts a memorable drum introduction that sets the pace and keeps the rhythm going strong. Truly an outstanding composition. Noteworthy is the fact that it was crafted in a short amount of time with an informal approach.

For “Four Sticks,” the next track to be recorded from the album, John Bonham found the process increasingly tiring. He was having a hard time mastering the drums for this piece and felt the need to let go and begin anew. What could be more effective than some energetic rock and roll drumming to achieve this?

As a seasoned music journalist with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and learning from some of the greatest musicians in history. One tale that has always stuck with me is the impromptu jam session between Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and the late John Bonham, which led to the formation of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin.

The band was thrilled by the rapidly developing bluesy and rocking melody taking shape, and they didn’t want to stop. According to Plant, they had refined it considerably within just 15 minutes. Introducing “Rock And Roll,” a timeless classic that continues to resonate, for inclusion in their upcoming album.

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2024-07-20 13:31