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Introduction
Suzi Quatro recorded Suzi… and Other Four Letter Words after moving from the United States to Britain and partnering with producer Mike Chapman under RAK Records. While her previous album If You Knew Suzi… (1978) had solidified her status in the U.S., this 1979 release marked her last with RAK before shifting to Dreamland Records. The album blended hard rock fundamentals with mid-tempo tunes and reggae influences, reflecting Quatro’s evolving sound as she explored new musical directions.
“Four Letter Words” is structured around a simple, syncopated reggae groove that underpins Quatro’s direct vocal delivery. Chapman and Chinn’s songwriting embraced a pop sensibility, pairing minimalist chord progressions with rhythmic accents that made the track feel both accessible and fresh in 1979. Lyrically, the song addresses betrayal in a relationship, urging a dishonest partner to face the consequences of their actions, which Quatro articulates with a blend of vulnerability and assertiveness. The understated bass line highlights Quatro’s skills as a bassist while creating enough space for the lyrical narrative to resonate.
Although “Four Letter Words” was not a charting single like “She’s in Love with You” or “Mama’s Boy,” it received praise from fans and critics who admired Quatro’s venture into reggae fusion. AllMusic reviewer Donald Guarisco noted the song’s “pop-inflected reggae groove” as a highlight that balanced the album’s harder rock numbers. The track contributed to the album’s overall positive reception, helping Suzi… and Other Four Letter Words reach number 4 on Norway’s charts and solidifying Quatro’s international appeal. Over time, “Four Letter Words” has become emblematic of Quatro’s willingness to push genre boundaries and maintain relevance during a shifting musical landscape.
Listening to “Four Letter Words” today offers a glimpse into Quatro’s artistry at a pivotal time in her career. The song’s blend of rock attitude with reggae rhythms presaged later cross-genre experiments by both male and female rock artists. Moreover, its candid lyrics about trust and betrayal remain relatable, inviting listeners to reflect on personal experiences of heartbreak. For longtime Quatro fans, the track serves as a nostalgic reminder of her fearless approach; for new listeners, it’s an invitation to discover a classic voice unafraid to evolve.
Video
Lyrics
Well I’ve been thinking about you all day
Though my thoughts run wild they won’t run away
And I just can’t stand it if I don’t think you’re thinking of me
Last night you said love, (love), love is what you said
When you should’ve said take, (take) take is what you did
Did I make a mistake, or am I just being misled
Oh well I’ve been thinking ’bout you much too long
Now it’s time you decide where you’re comin from
[Chorus]
With your four letter words
And your don’t let her goes
If it’s true what I’ve heard
Then you don’t love her so
So get your four letter words
And get on over to me
Well I’m sure it takes time, but I want you to know
That it’s gonna be fine if you just let her go
‘Cos you can’t play two hand double edge love games with me
Oh, hell it’s been hell (hell), hell around here
When you know I can’t tell, (tell), tell if you care
And I just can’t live, (live), live, knowin your around there
Oh well I don’t want to hear about it one more time
I got a four letter bet that says you’re gonna be mine
[Chorus]