“Can the Can”: A Roaring Anthem of Female Empowerment and Untamed Youth
Ah, Suzi Quatro. Just hearing that name, for many of us, conjures up a vivid flash of leather, a driving bassline, and an unmistakable snarl. Her impact on the music scene of the early to mid-1970s was nothing short of seismic, and at the very epicenter of that tremor stood her explosive 1973 hit, “Can the Can.” This wasn’t just a song; it was a declaration, a guttural cry of rebellion that resonated deeply with a generation eager to shed the remnants of the past and embrace a new, more audacious future. And for those of us who remember it live, it still electrifies the air with its raw power.
When “Can the Can” burst onto the scene, it didn’t just climb the charts; it utterly dominated them. Released in June 1973, it shot straight to number one in the UK, holding that coveted spot for two weeks. But its reach extended far beyond the British Isles, conquering the top spot in Australia, Germany, and Switzerland, and making a significant dent in the charts across Europe and beyond. For a young woman from Detroit, steeped in the gritty world of rock and roll, this was a global phenomenon, solidifying her status as a genuine rock icon.
The story behind “Can the Can” is as fascinating as the song itself. Suzi Quatro had been honing her craft for years, starting her musical journey in Detroit with her sisters in the band The Pleasure Seekers, later evolving into Cradle. However, it was a move to the UK at the behest of legendary producer Mickie Most that truly ignited her solo career. Most, a visionary who had worked with everyone from The Animals to Jeff Beck, saw something truly unique in Suzi – a potent blend of raw talent, magnetic stage presence, and an undeniable rock and roll spirit that defied the prevailing norms of female performers at the time. It was Most, along with the songwriting and production prowess of Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn, who crafted the sound that would make Suzi Quatro a household name. “Can the Can” was one of the first fruits of this collaboration, a perfectly engineered glam-rock anthem designed to showcase Suzi‘s ferocious energy.
But what, precisely, does “Can the Can” mean? On the surface, it’s a playful yet provocative narrative about a woman asserting her independence and desirability, challenging a potential suitor to “can the can” – to essentially “do what you can” or “make your move.” The lyrics are imbued with a defiant attitude, a swaggering confidence that was revolutionary for a female artist in an era where women in rock were often relegated to more demure or soulful roles. It’s a call to action, an invitation to a wild ride, and a clear statement that the woman in question is in control.
Dig a little deeper, and the song takes on a broader significance. It became an anthem for female empowerment, a rallying cry for those who felt constrained by societal expectations. Suzi Quatro, with her leather jumpsuit, driving bass, and unapologetic attitude, became a symbol of liberation. She shattered stereotypes, demonstrating that women could be just as powerful, as loud, and as authentically rock and roll as any man. For many young women, seeing Suzi Quatro on stage, tearing through “Can the Can,” was a revelation – a powerful affirmation that they too could break free from convention and forge their own path. It was a moment of fierce independence captured in three minutes and thirty-five seconds of pure, unadulterated rock and roll. The raw energy and visceral performance of the song not only captivated audiences but also laid crucial groundwork for future generations of female rock musicians, proving that women could lead bands, play instruments, and command the stage with an electrifying presence. For those of us who lived through that era, it wasn’t just music; it was a feeling, a moment of profound recognition that the world was changing, and Suzi Quatro was leading the charge.