“Four Letter Words”: A Rock and Roll Declaration of Love and Rebellion
Ah, the 1970s. A time of raw energy, burgeoning individuality, and a sound that truly shook the foundations of popular music. And at the heart of that seismic shift, standing tall and proud, was a woman who defied expectations and paved the way for so many who followed: Suzi Quatro. Her snarling bass lines, her leather-clad swagger, and her undeniable stage presence made her a true icon. And today, we’re casting our minds back to a lesser-known but equally potent track from her illustrious career: “Four Letter Words.”
Released in 1979 as a single from her sixth studio album, “Suzi … and Other Four Letter Words,” this song, while not reaching the stratospheric heights of some of her earlier hits, still made a respectable showing. In her native UK, it charted at number 37, a solid testament to her enduring popularity and the loyalty of her fanbase. While it might not have been a chart-topper globally, for those of us who followed Suzi’s journey, it was another vibrant chapter in her story, a testament to her consistent output and her unwavering commitment to her signature sound. For many, it served as a powerful reminder of her continued relevance as the decade drew to a close, a decade she had, in many ways, helped to define.
Now, let’s peel back the layers of “Four Letter Words.” At its core, this isn’t just another rock song; it’s a defiant anthem, a declaration of love interwoven with a healthy dose of rebellion. The “four letter words” in question aren’t the expletives one might immediately assume, but rather the powerful, often unsaid, words of deep affection and unwavering loyalty. Suzi, ever the shrewd lyricist and performer, plays on our expectations, drawing us in with a title that hints at something edgy, only to deliver a message that is both tender and fiercely protective. It’s a love song, yes, but a Suzi Quatro love song, meaning it’s infused with that characteristic grit and refusal to conform. It’s about sticking by your partner through thick and thin, through the judgments and criticisms of the outside world, and recognizing that their love is the only “four letter word” that truly matters.
The story behind the song, while not extensively documented in the annals of rock folklore, resonates with the very essence of Suzi Quatro’s persona. She was always an artist who lived life on her own terms, fiercely independent and unapologetically herself. This song can be seen as an extension of that ethos. It speaks to the idea of finding solace and strength in a shared bond, an intimate connection that acts as a shield against the pressures and expectations of society. It’s about the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you are loved and accepted for exactly who you are, flaws and all. In an era where image and conformity often dictated public perception, Suzi Quatro consistently championed authenticity, and “Four Letter Words” beautifully encapsulates that spirit. It’s a subtle nod to the kind of profound connection that transcends superficiality, a connection built on trust, understanding, and a shared rejection of the mundane.
Listening to “Four Letter Words” today, especially for those of us who remember the era vividly, is like stepping back in time. The driving rhythm, the unmistakable bass line, and Suzi’s distinctive vocal delivery evoke a sense of freedom and unbridled energy that defined the late ’70s. It transports us to smoky clubs, to crowded dance floors, and to a time when music felt visceral and immediate. It reminds us of a time when artists dared to be different, when they pushed boundaries and challenged norms. Suzi Quatro was at the forefront of that movement, a trailblazer who inspired countless young women to pick up an instrument and make some noise. “Four Letter Words” might not be her most commercially successful single, but it stands as a powerful testament to her enduring artistry, her lyrical depth, and her unwavering commitment to being true to herself. It’s a song that, much like Suzi herself, continues to resonate with its honest portrayal of love, defiance, and the enduring power of rock and roll.