The Stroke

Hmm...so, I was reading about "The Stroke" by Billy Squire and was a bit surprised by the meaning behind the lyrics.  Obviously, this song has many interpretations -- well, maybe not so many.  The obvious is kind of, well, you know.  People interpret this song to be about something that would seem obvious from the title.  But, alas, I found out that he wrote it about the dirtiness of the record industry.  That makes perfect sense to me.  I can see how the music business could be corrupt.  It's a business that I work in, so I can visualize the "deals" and sleaziness that Squire portrays through the lyrics.  Although I don't work on the recording side of the business, I understand how that side could be extremely corrupt.  We have seen what it does to artists once they become a commodity--a commercial product.  Yup, one's artistry and integrity are often compromised.  I think Squire captures "the deal" perfectly in this song.  Now that I understand the meaning, it becomes quite apparent in the lyrics.  The driving, edgy guitar line and drums really add to the overall feel of what Billy Squire is trying to portray.  It's a pretty intense instrumental track, and again, it helps support the picture that is clearly painted by the vocals.  Bravo.  I give props to Mr. Squire for raging against the machine with this one.