The Stroke

Billy Squier

About The Stroke

"The Stroke" is a song written and recorded by American rock artist Billy Squier. It was released in 1981 as the debut single from his Triple Platinum album Don't Say No. This was Squier's first single to chart, reaching No. 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was a bigger hit on rock radio, reaching No. 3 on the Top Tracks chart. It also reached the UK Singles Chart, rising to No. 52. It was named the 59th best hard rock song of all time by VH1.


Year:
1981
3:38
438 
#5

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Now everybody, have you heard, if you're in the game
Then the stroke's the word
Don't take no rhythm,
Don't take no style
Gotta thirst for killin',
Grab your vial uh

Put your right hand out, give a firm handshake
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 mighty well
Stroke me, stroke me (stroke) 
Stroke me, stroke me
You got your number down
Stroke me, stroke me
Say you're a winner but babe, you're just a sinner now

Put your left foot out, keep it all in place
Work your way right into my face
First you try to bet me, you make my backbone slide
When you find you've bled me, slip on by, and

Stroke me, stroke me
Give me the reason this is all night long
Stroke me, stroke me
(Stroke)
Stroke me, stroke me
Get yourself together boy
Stroke me, stroke me
Say you're a winner but man you're just a sinner now
(Stroke, stroke, stroke, stroke, stroke, stroke, stroke)

Better listen now
Said it ain't no joke
Don't let your conscience fail ya'
Just do the stroke
Don't ya' take no chances
Keep your eye on top
Do your fancy dances
You can't stop you just

Stroke me, stroke me
(Stroke, stroke)
Stroke me, stroke me
(Stroke, stroke)
Stroke me, stroke me
(Stroke, stroke)
Stroke me, stroke me 
(Stroke) do it
Stroke me, stroke me
(Stroke)
Stroke me, stroke me (keep on)
(Stroke)
Stroke me, stroke me
(Stroke)
Stroke me, stroke me
Say you're a winner but man you're just a sinner now

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Billy Squier

William Haislip "Billy" Squier (born May 12, 1950) is an American rock musician. Squier had a string of arena rock hits in the 1980s. He is best known for the song "The Stroke" on his 1981 album release Don't Say No. Other hits include "In the Dark", "Rock Me Tonite", "Lonely Is the Night", "My Kinda Lover", "Everybody Wants You", "All Night Long" and "Emotions in Motion". more »

3 fans

Written by: WILLIAM H SQUIER

Lyrics © Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Date
"The Stroke" was released in May 1981 as a lead single from Billy Squier's album, "Don't Say No".
Chart Achievement
Among all his works, "The Stroke" is Squier's highest-charting U.S. single, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Music Video Success
MTV, which had just launched that year, played the music video for "The Stroke" frequently, increasing the song's popularity amongst younger audience.
Song Meaning
Squier has stated that "The Stroke" is about the music business, a fun poke at the difficult industry executives and the overall "showbiz culture."
Album Success
"Don't Say No", the album featuring "The Stroke", peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and stayed on the chart for over two years.
Pop Culture Reference
"The Stroke" has been featured in several films and TV shows like "Blades of Glory", "Smallville" and "The Blacklist".
Cover versions
The song has been covered by several artists including Mindless Self Indulgence, Krokus, and Eminem.
Sampling
"The Stroke" has also been sampled by notable artists including Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and NAS, emphasizing its influence on contemporary music.
Multi-Platinum Sales
"Don't Say No" went multi-platinum, largely due to the success of "The Stroke".
Live Performances
Squier has often used "The Stroke" as his encore song during live performances, showing its significant impact on his career.
Guitar Hero
The song had another surge in popularity after being included in "Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock."
Iconic Riff
The iconic guitar riff in "The Stroke" is often recognized as a classic example of hard rock.

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    The Stroke

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1981

    Billboard #17


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