Introduction
Suzi Quatro (born Susan Kay Quatro in 1950) is an American rock musician who rose to fame in the 1970s with hit singles like “Can the Can” and “Devil Gate Drive,” earning her a reputation as one of the pioneering female bassists in rock history. Over the decades, she’s released more than fifteen studio albums, sold over 50 million records worldwide, and even portrayed Leather Tuscadero on the sitcom Happy Days. Suzi’s fearless attitude and ground-breaking role for women in rock has inspired countless musicians to follow their own paths.
No Control was released on March 29, 2019, via Steamhammer/SPV and marked Quatro’s first album of entirely new material since partnering with Len Tuckey in 1982. The album’s creation also included collaboration with her son, Richard Tuckey, on songwriting and production, infusing a fresh family-driven energy into her work. Critics praised the record’s “engaging freshness” and cohesive modern production that balances hard rock and blues influences.
The opening track, “No Soul/No Control,” dropped as the album’s lead single in early 2019 and came with an official music video released that February. The song is built around a driving guitar riff, prominent bass lines, and keyboard flourishes, arranged to spotlight Suzi’s powerful vocals. Lyrically, it encourages listeners not to compromise their identity: “Don’t let go of yourself for anyone”. Reviewers compared its raw punk-rock edge to early Runaways recordings and even hinted at Courtney Love’s grunge-era intensity, noting how Suzi’s performance retains a sense of unfiltered authenticity.
There’s something deeply uplifting about hearing Quatro declare, through hard-hitting chords, “No Soul/No Control.” It’s not just a catchy hook; it feels like a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever been pressured to conform. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by trends and expectations, Suzi reminds us to hold onto our own essence. As you press play on the video, you can almost imagine her eyes locking onto yours, daring you to stay true—even when giving in might seem easier.
Nearly fifty years into her career, Suzi Quatro still refuses to let anyone dictate who she should be. “No Soul/No Control” isn’t just a song—it’s a reminder that staying authentic is a lifelong act of rebellion. For longtime fans, it’s heartening to see her continue evolving without losing the fearless spark that made her a rock legend. And for newcomers, this track offers an entry point into Suzi’s timeless message: your soul is yours alone, and you hold the reins of control.
Video
Lyrics
If you think I’m wrong, if you think I’m right
Gotta play it strong, gotta put up a fight
Keep it close in hand, ’til you understand
You can’t take the biggest part, it’s not in my plan
I gotta hold on to me
I gotta hold on to me
Save me, save me, save me, save me
I gotta hold on to me
You can’t take away my soul
You can’t break me ’cause I’m in control
You can’t take my heart, my mind, this time I won’t let go
You can’t take away my soul
No no no no, no no no
Fall into your mire, trapped in hot desire
I can’t play it cool, when my body’s on fire
If the lie is true, I turn it back on you
Stand up and be counted
Yeah, that’s all I can do
I gotta hold on to me
Do you get it? Oww
I gotta hold, hold on tight to me
Yeah, save me, save me, save me, save me
I gotta hold on to me
You can’t take away my soul
You can’t break me ’cause I’m in control
You can’t take my heart, my mind, this time I won’t let go
You can’t take away my soul
No no no no, no no no
Not so long ago we planted seeds of love
A fifty fifty deal, no under, no above
Do you get it?
You took it all
I had to fall
And now I’m on top
And now I stand tall
Walkin’ the freedom walk
Yeah, talkin’ that freedom talk
Walkin’ the freedom walk (walkin’ the freedom walk)
Ooh, talkin’ the freedom talk (talkin’ the freedom talk)
Ooh, walkin’ the freedom walk (walkin’ the freedom walk)
Ooh, talkin’ the freedom talk (talkin’ the freedom talk)
Ooh, walkin’ the freedom walk (walkin’ the freedom walk)
Ooh, talkin’ the freedom talk (talkin’ the freedom talk)
Walkin’ the freedom walk (walkin’ the freedom walk)
Ooh, talkin’ the freedom talk (talkin’ the freedom talk)
You can’t take away my soul
You can’t break me ’cause I’m in control
You can’t take my heart, my mind, this time I won’t let go
You can’t take away my soul
No no no no, no no no