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That Girl and Her Fast Car: The Enduring Symbol of Reckless Independence
There are some songs that, no matter who’s singing them, conjure an immediate, visceral feeling—a dusty road, the scent of gasoline, and the exhilarating, slightly dangerous thrum of a powerful engine. Mustang Sally is one of those timeless pieces of American rhythm and blues. Yet, the rendition we’re revisiting today—the collaboration between British rock veteran Chris Norman and German guitar virtuoso Siggi Schwarz—offers a distinct, slightly heavier, and wonderfully nostalgic take on this classic. Released around 2007, this version was featured on Siggi Schwarz & The Legends albums, such as Soul Classics and later compilations like 50 Years Of Rock’n’Roll (Live & Rare). As a cover of a seminal track, it generally did not chase the major global charts that the original versions commanded, instead finding a dedicated audience within the European rock and blues circuits, where both Norman and Schwarz maintain a strong following. It’s a track beloved by those who appreciate the enduring artistry of musicians from the classic rock era, a testament to its raw, unpolished energy.
The heart of Mustang Sally lies far back in 1965 with its original writer and recorder, Mack Rice. It was born from a simple anecdote: Rice’s friend, singer Della Reese, wanted to buy her drummer a new Lincoln, but the drummer insisted he’d rather have the newly introduced Ford Mustang. Rice initially penned the tune as “Mustang Mama,” but thankfully, the legendary Aretha Franklin suggested changing the name to Mustang Sally. The genius lay in transforming a children’s game song, “Little Sally Walker,” with its line “Rise, Sally, rise, wipe your weepin’ eyes,” into the iconic, cautionary chorus: “All you wanna do is ride around, Sally, ride, Sally, ride.” The lyrics paint a clear picture of a man who bought his woman a beautiful, fast car—a 1965 Mustang—only to find she’s obsessed with riding around town, neglecting him. It’s a brilliant metaphor, where the Mustang isn’t just a car; it’s the symbol of Sally’s newfound independence, her desire for freedom and perhaps, her flight from domesticity. The singer’s threat to “put your flat feet on the ground” speaks to the universal struggle between control and liberation in a relationship, a tale as old as time.
When Wilson Pickett recorded his electrifying, definitive version in 1966, he infused it with Muscle Shoals soul power, sending it rocketing up the charts—cementing its place as a cornerstone of R&B. The Norman and Schwarz interpretation, however, doesn’t try to replicate Pickett’s raw, screaming soul. Instead, it leans into the blues-rock tradition. Chris Norman, known for his distinctive rasp from his days with Smokie and his solo hits like Midnight Lady, brings a weary, knowing quality to the vocals. It’s the voice of a man who has seen a few Mustang Sallys come and go, lending a reflective, rather than purely exasperated, tone to the lyrics. Siggi Schwarz’s guitar work is the perfect complement, offering a thick, bluesy underpinning with solos that are economical, soulful, and deeply rooted in classic rock. It’s less about the frenetic energy of the 60s and more about the seasoned, powerful groove of musicians who know exactly how to settle into a rhythm and let the feeling speak for itself. It’s a cover that honors the source material while giving it a richer, more mature texture—a perfect soundtrack for a long, late-night drive down memory lane. It’s for those of us who remember the original, but can still appreciate a new coat of paint on a classic hot rod.