Heart: "Barracuda" (1977)

"Barracuda" is a song written and recorded by the rock band Heart. It was released as the first single from the band's second album Little Queen (1977).

The song is an aggressive hard rock number notable for a galloping guitar riff which has often been compared to that of Led Zeppelin's "Achilles Last Stand". It has been noted for its use of natural harmonics, particularly in the intro where the harmonics are bent using the tremolo arm of the guitar.

Upon its release "Barracuda" became Heart's second top-20 hit in the U.S., peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has become the band's signature song and is a staple on American classic rock radio playlists. In 2009, it was named the 34th best hard rock song of all time by VH1.


- Lyrics:

So this ain't the end - I saw you again today
Had to turn my heart away
You smiled like the
Sun - Kisses for everyone
And tales - it never fails!
You lying so low in the weeds
Bet you gonna ambush me
You'd have me down on my knees
Wouldn't you, Barracuda?
Back over
Time when we were all
Trying for free
Met up with porpoise and me
No right no wrong you're selling a
Song - A name whisper game.
If the real thing don't do the trick
You better make up something quick
You gonna burn it out to the wick
Aren't you, Barracuda?
"Sell me sell you" the porpoise said
Dive down deep to save my head
You...I think you got the blues too.
All that night and all the next
Swam without looking back
Made for the western pools - silly fools!