Sheena Easton – Strut: Lyrics and Music Video

"Strut" is a hit song by Sheena Easton, released in 1984 as the second single from her album A Private Heaven. The song is known for its empowering message and funky, danceable sound, marking a shift in Easton’s image from a more innocent pop singer to a bolder, more confident artist. "Strut" became one of her biggest hits, showcasing her versatility and helping to solidify her presence in the mid-1980s pop scene.

Key Details:

• Release Date: August 31, 1984.
• Album: A Private Heaven (1984).
• Writers: Charlie Dore and Julian Littman.
• Producer: Greg Mathieson.

Themes and Meaning:

• Empowerment and Independence: "Strut" is a song about rejecting societal expectations and being confident in one’s own identity. The lyrics center on a woman who refuses to conform to the demands placed on her by others, particularly in terms of how she should act or present herself. The song encourages self-assurance and standing up for personal freedom.

• Rejection of Objectification: The song addresses themes of objectification and the pressures women face to please others, particularly in romantic relationships. The protagonist refuses to "strut" for someone else's pleasure, symbolizing the refusal to be controlled or objectified.

Lyrics Overview:

The chorus captures the song’s defiance and sense of self-empowerment:

• "Strut, pout, put it out, that's what you want from women / Come on baby, what you taking me for?"

These lyrics emphasize the protagonist’s rejection of the idea that women should conform to traditional roles or expectations to satisfy others, asserting her independence and strength.

Musical Style:

• Dance-Pop and Funk: "Strut" features a funky, danceable groove with a strong bassline and a catchy, upbeat melody. The song blends elements of dance-pop, rock, and funk, giving it an energetic and confident sound. Its infectious rhythm and driving beat made it a favorite on dance floors in the mid-1980s.

• Strong Vocal Delivery: Sheena Easton’s vocals on "Strut" are powerful and assertive, matching the song’s theme of empowerment. Her voice conveys both strength and a playful attitude, adding to the song’s dynamic energy.

Commercial Success:

• Chart Performance:
  • "Strut" was a commercial success, reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
  • It also performed well on the Adult Contemporary and Dance charts, further boosting Easton’s popularity during the 1980s.

The song became one of Easton’s most iconic tracks, helping to define her career and transition her from a softer pop image to a more confident, assertive persona.

Background and Creation:

• A Shift in Image: Before "Strut," Sheena Easton was best known for her more innocent and polished pop songs, like "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" and "For Your Eyes Only." "Strut" represented a turning point, where Easton embraced a more mature, daring image that aligned with the changing musical landscape of the 1980s. The song’s bold lyrics and confident delivery showcased her evolution as an artist.

• Written by Charlie Dore and Julian Littman: The song was penned by British singer-songwriter Charlie Dore and musician Julian Littman. Their lyrics, which focus on themes of empowerment and self-respect, resonated with Easton and aligned with the direction she wanted to take her career.

Legacy and Reception:

• Critical Acclaim: "Strut" received positive reviews from critics, who praised its funky production, catchy melody, and Easton’s confident vocal performance. The song was seen as a bold statement of independence and strength, which resonated with audiences, particularly women.

• Empowerment Anthem: Over the years, "Strut" has been regarded as an empowerment anthem, with its message of self-assurance and independence standing the test of time. The song’s themes continue to resonate with listeners, making it a classic example of 1980s pop that remains relevant today.

Music Video:

• The music video for "Strut" features Sheena Easton performing the song with a confident, assertive presence. The video complements the song’s themes of empowerment and self-expression, showing Easton in a series of glamorous, bold outfits as she struts with attitude and confidence. The visual style, full of fashion and flair, helped solidify her new image as a more daring and empowered artist.

Cultural Impact:

• Iconic 80s Track: "Strut" became one of Sheena Easton’s signature songs and is often associated with the bold, flashy style of 1980s pop music. Its catchy hook, empowering message, and funky sound made it a staple of the decade’s music scene.

• Feminist Undertones: The song’s refusal to conform to expectations of women, particularly in romantic and societal contexts, has given it feminist undertones. "Strut" encourages women to be unapologetically themselves and not to bend to the will of others.

Live Performances:

• Concert Staple: "Strut" remains a favorite in Sheena Easton’s live performances. Its high-energy sound and confident lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser, and Easton often uses the song to connect with audiences through its empowering message.

In Summary:

"Strut" by Sheena Easton is a bold, empowering anthem that marked a significant shift in the artist’s career. Released in 1984, the song became a top 10 hit in the U.S. and showcased Easton’s more assertive, confident persona. With its catchy dance-pop melody, funky groove, and themes of independence and self-respect, "Strut" has remained one of Easton’s most iconic tracks. The song’s empowering message and upbeat energy continue to make it a fan favorite and a defining moment in her career.