🐟 Barracuda – When Heart got mad (and made history)

An offensive rumor. A sexist industry. One of the heaviest riffs ever written.

Jun 28, 2025

Hey rock lover,

Some songs are born out of inspiration.
Others out of rage.
Barracuda was the second kind.

In 1977, Heart were flying high.
Their debut album Dreamboat Annie had gone platinum. Their tour was packed.
They were becoming one of the most powerful rock acts of the decade — and one of the few fronted by women.

But success doesn’t always protect you from disrespect.

That year, the band’s label (without asking) released a promo suggesting that sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson were in an incestuous relationship.

Yes, you read that right.
A shock tactic. A gross lie. And pure sexism wrapped as “marketing.”

🔥 What happened next?

Ann found out minutes before going on stage, when a radio DJ congratulated her for being “so close” with her sister.

Furious and humiliated, she walked off, slammed the dressing room door, and started writing.
Anger poured out on paper.
Nancy picked up the guitar and matched the mood with a fierce, galloping riff.

They weren’t even trying to write a hit.
They just wanted to spit fire.

🎸 The song wrote itself

Within hours, Barracuda was born:
– Lyrics like a punch to the throat
– A guitar line that could break walls
– And a mood that left no room for politeness

It wasn’t about being clever.
It was about telling the truth.

“You lying so low in the weeds… I bet you gonna ambush me.”

They didn’t name names.
They didn’t have to.

🐟 Why “Barracuda”?

That’s what the band started calling the suits behind the rumor:
Barracudas.
Slick. Predatory. Smiling while they bite.

What they didn’t expect?
That insult would turn into one of the most iconic titles in rock.

Released as the opening track of Little Queen, Barracuda became a radio hit, a concert staple, and a roaring middle finger to an industry that tried to use them.

🎧 Listen like you mean it

If Barracuda had a mood, it would be:
🔥 “You messed with the wrong women.”

Here’s your power playlist:

🎵 Barracuda – Heart (1977)
🎵 Crazy On You – Heart (1976)
🎵 Bad Reputation – Joan Jett (1980)
🎵 Cherry Bomb – The Runaways (1976)
🎵 You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette (1995)

Bonus track if you're feeling extra:

🎵 Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar (1980)

💬 Final note from me

I love when a song isn’t just a song — it’s a reaction, a response, a refusal to stay quiet.
Barracuda isn’t just loud.
It’s loud for a reason.

And honestly? That’s what makes rock unforgettable.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of
🖤 The Story Behind the Song

If you liked this one, share it with someone who needs a little fire in their headphones 🔥

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Until next time,
✌️ Amy

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