A Swaggering Anthem of Power and Industry: Billy Squier’s “The Stroke”
Few rock songs encapsulate the bold, rebellious spirit of the early ’80s quite like Billy Squier’s “The Stroke.” Released in 1981 as the lead single from his breakthrough album Don’t Say No, this track wasn’t just a hit—it was a statement, a rallying cry of defiance wrapped in a thunderous, bluesy stomp. With its massive drum beats, snarling guitar riffs, and anthemic chorus, “The Stroke” became one of the defining rock songs of the decade, propelling Squier to stardom and cementing his place in rock history.
At first listen, “The Stroke” sounds like a song about sex—and on the surface, it certainly carries that kind of swagger. The heavy, almost hypnotic rhythm, paired with Squier’s gritty, half-sneered, half-sung vocal delivery, oozes with attitude and confidence. But beneath the surface, it’s not just a raunchy rock anthem—it’s a sharp, biting critique of the music industry, a subject Squier knew all too well.
The lyrics, filled with veiled metaphors and bold innuendos, talk about being used, chewed up, and spit out by the very system that claims to celebrate you. Squier saw firsthand how record labels, managers, and industry executives could lure artists in with promises of fame and fortune, only to discard them once their commercial value waned. In this way, “The Stroke” is a rock and roll cautionary tale, disguised as an arena-ready anthem.
Musically, the song is a masterclass in pure, stripped-down rock power. It opens with that booming, militaristic drum beat, instantly demanding attention before the crunchy, blues-infused guitar riff kicks in. Squier’s voice is raw, urgent, and full of controlled aggression, his delivery riding the tight groove with a mix of swagger and scorn. The gang vocals on the chorus—“Stroke me, stroke me!”—give the song an almost chant-like quality, making it impossible not to sing (or shout) along.
Upon its release, “The Stroke” was an instant smash on rock radio, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart and crossing over to the mainstream Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 17. It was one of the songs that helped bridge the gap between classic rock and the emerging hard rock sound of the ’80s, influencing bands that would soon dominate the decade. In the UK, however, it only reached No. 52, proving that its appeal was much stronger in the American rock landscape.
The song’s impact extended far beyond the charts. “The Stroke” became a staple of sports arenas, soundtracks, and pop culture, frequently heard at football games, commercials, and even video games. It had an undeniable arena-rock bravado, tailor-made for stadiums full of screaming fans, pumping fists in the air in time with the pounding beat.
More importantly, “The Stroke” launched Billy Squier into rock superstardom, helping his album Don’t Say No go triple platinum and paving the way for future hits like “My Kinda Lover,” “Lonely Is the Night,” and “Everybody Wants You.” For a moment, he was one of the biggest rock artists in America, riding high on the success of a song that both celebrated and critiqued the very system that made it a hit.
Looking back, “The Stroke” remains one of the most iconic rock songs of its era—a track that is as much about attitude and rebellion as it is about raw, fist-pumping energy. Whether you hear it as a scathing industry takedown, a high-octane rock anthem, or just an infectious stadium banger, one thing is certain—when those opening drums hit, and Squier growls that first line, you know you’re in for something unforgettable.