‘Attractive Female Wanted’: the utter insanity of Rod Stewart’s offensive lyrical minefield
When Bruce Springsteen explained how much influence Bob Dylan had on him, he highlighted specifically how Dylan was capable of using lyrics not just to fill his song with words, but to give someone something they could learn from.
“I was very influenced by Dylan,” he said. “I always say he’s the father of my country. He initially provided me with a picture of a country that I recognised. One that feels real, feels like the truth.” Springsteen also admitted that he used Dylan as inspiration when writing, as he wanted people to feel the same way when listening to his music.
“I want people to get the same experience from listening to one of my records as I had when I listened to Highway 61 Revisited,” he admitted. “The idea that something was revealed to them that was fundamentally true and essential, and gave you a view of your world, your country, your town, your neighbours, your family.”
I know what you’re thinking: why bring this up during an article which is about Rod Stewart? Well, I think it’s to highlight that throughout the history of music, there has always been credit reserved for artists who are able to use their music in a bid to reflect the modern times that they’re living in. Dylan is celebrated for his ability to do this, but realistically, unless an artist is writing entirely from a point of fiction, they all do it on some level, as their lyrics become a reflection of their current mindset at the time of writing.
In Rod Stewart’s case, when he wrote the song ‘Attractive Female Wanted’, we can only assume that his mindset at the time, which the song is an obvious reflection of, was horny and alone. Sure, it might not have the same nuance as something like ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, but it’s still a true image of Rod Stewart’s world.
The lyrics are strange, to say the least. It sees Rod Stewart sit in a nice big house but mourn in the face of his riches as he has no one to share them with. There’s a world where you can make this kind of sentiment quite sweet, but Stewart instead manages to come across as degrading and rude. He talks of women in the regular world as if they are lesser people than supermodels, and makes himself out to be a saint because he would still sleep with these regular people. It’s an interesting angle to go for, and could be a good insight as to why you’re horny and alone.
“She doesn’t have to be a movie star, cover of a magazine,” he says (how very noble). “She can work in a garage all day, in the evenin’, some canteen.” Who is this hard-working woman who spends all day in a garage, all night in a canteen, and then chooses to spend those few hours of freedom afterwards with Rod Stewart?
He goes on to talk about speaking to Hugh Hefner and almost referring to women as if they are something which can be readily bought and sold. A quick message to his mate at the Playboy Mansion, and apparently, the deal is done. Transfer complete. “Think I’ll write a letter to Mr Hugh Hefner confidentially, dear sir, a single girl for my single bed is my remedy.” I’m not even going to dive into the logistics of the awkwardness of sharing a single bed with someone.
In all honesty, the music on this song is great, as it’s incredibly groovy and funky. The lyrics, on the other hand, are a complete minefield of sexism and condescending lines. Whatever you make of it, at least Rod Stewart was true to himself and his randy feelings in that moment. I wonder if he ever did get someone to fill that bed?
