Formed in 1991 by working class music manager Jimmy Rabitte, The Commitments performes a unique blend of soul music, described by trumpeter Joey "The Lips" Fagan as "Dublin soul." Featuring Deco Cuffe on lead vocals, Imelda Quirke, Natalie Murphy and Bernie McGloughlin as female backing vocalists, Outspan Foster on lead guitar, Dean Fay on bass, Steven Clifford on keys, Derek Scully and Joey "The Lips" Fagan on trumpet and Billy Mooney on drums, The Commitments were successful in local venues in North Dublin. During the final months of their original run, Mooney left the band and was replaced by former security guard Micko Wallace. The group disbanded in late 1991 after a hectic club show – at which the band were to be joined by Wilson Pickett – and due to internal affairs, just minutes before the band were offered a record deal.
In 2010, the band reformed and are set to perform a number of dates.
The movie was also the breakthrough for singer Andrew Strong.
Mustang Sally
The Commitments Lyrics
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Guess you better slow that Mustang down
Mustang Sally now, baby
Guess you better slow that Mustang down
You've been runnin' all over town
Ooh, I guess you gotta put your flat feet on the ground
Sing it to 'em one more time, girls
All you wanna do is ride around Sally, come on (ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around Sally (ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around Sally (ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around Sally, tell you (ride, Sally, ride)
One of these early mornings
I'm gonna be wiping those weeping eyes, yeah, alright
I bought you a brand new Mustang
It was nineteen sixty-five
Now you come around signifyin' a woman
Girl, you won't, you won't let me ride
Mustang Sally now, baby
Guess you better slow that Mustang down
Alright
You been running all over town
Oh, I guess you gotta put your flat feet on the ground
Oh yeah, baby, you gotta put your flat feet
All you wanna do is ride around Sally (ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around Sally (ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around Sally, oh yeah (ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around Sally (ride, Sally, ride)
One of these early mornings
I'm gonna be wiping those weeping eyes, yeah
Oh yeah, baby, come on, boys
Those weeping eyes, oh yeah, babe (Sally)
Those weeping eyes (Sally), yeah, yeah
Those weeping eyes (Sally), yeah, yeah (Sally)
Oh, those weeping eyes (Sally)
Those weeping eyes (Sally)
Those weeping eyes (Sally), yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
The lyrics of Mustang Sally by the band The Commitments describe a man who bought a brand new Mustang car for his woman in 1965, but she has been running around town recklessly, causing him to ask her to slow down the car. The man warns her that if she doesn't slow down, she's going to crash and must put her flat feet on the ground. The chorus repeats the plea for her to ride around Sally, instead of riding the Mustang recklessly. The lyrics suggest that despite the woman's excitement for her new car, she must be cautious while driving it.
The song portrays Sally as a carefree and wild woman who loves to ride around in her new car. But at the same time, the song's author portrays her with a certain lack of control, which requires a warning to slow down. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for a woman who is out of control in general and needs to be held back. The song is upbeat and is designed to get people up and dancing. The music is energetic, with fast-paced guitar riffs and a strong beat.
Line by Line Meaning
Mustang Sally
The song is called Mustang Sally.
Guess you better slow that Mustang down
You should slow down the Mustang car you are driving.
Mustang Sally now, baby
Again addressing to Mustang Sally.
You've been runnin' all over town
You are driving excessively around the town.
Ooh, I guess you gotta put your flat feet on the ground
You need to come to your senses.
All you wanna do is ride around Sally, come on (ride, Sally, ride)
You don't want to do anything other than driving around in the Mustang.
One of these early mornings
Some morning soon.
I'm gonna be wiping those weeping eyes, yeah, alright
I will comfort you when you cry.
I bought you a brand new Mustang
I bought you a new Mustang car.
It was nineteen sixty-five
It was bought in 1965.
Now you come around signifyin' a woman
Now you are acting like a grown-up woman.
Girl, you won't, you won't let me ride
But you won't let me drive the Mustang.
Alright
Okay.
Oh yeah, baby, you gotta put your flat feet
You need to come to your senses.
One of these early mornings
Some morning soon.
Oh yeah, baby, come on, boys
The boys should come along.
Those weeping eyes, oh yeah, babe (Sally)
You will cry, Sally.
Those weeping eyes (Sally), yeah, yeah
Your crying eyes, Sally, yes.
Those weeping eyes (Sally), yeah, yeah (Sally)
You will cry and your name is Sally.
Oh, those weeping eyes (Sally)
You will cry, Sally.
Those weeping eyes (Sally)
Your crying eyes, Sally.
Those weeping eyes (Sally), yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Repeated mention of your crying eyes, Sally.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mack Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind