Status Quo – Forty-Five Hundred Times

About the Song

When it comes to boogie rock anthems, few bands can match the energy and charisma of Status Quo. Their 1973 track, “Forty-Five Hundred Times,” is a tour de force of driving rhythms, infectious guitar riffs, and the band’s signature no-nonsense rock-and-roll attitude. Clocking in at over five minutes, this song is a celebration of repetition and groove, showcasing Status Quo’s ability to turn simplicity into something truly electrifying.

From the very first note, “Forty-Five Hundred Times” grabs your attention with its relentless energy. The song’s boogie-woogie piano and dual-guitar attack, courtesy of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, create a sound that is both raw and irresistible. The rhythm section, anchored by Alan Lancaster on bass and John Coghlan on drums, provides a rock-solid foundation that keeps the track moving forward with unstoppable momentum. It’s a song that demands to be played loud, and its live performances have become legendary for their ability to get audiences on their feet.

Lyrically, the song is a playful nod to the idea of repetition, both in music and in life. The chorus, with its hypnotic refrain of “Forty-five hundred times, I’ve seen your face”, is a clever metaphor for the band’s own dedication to their craft. It’s a song about persistence and passion, about doing something you love so many times that it becomes a part of who you are. This theme resonates deeply with fans, many of whom have followed Status Quo’s career through decades of high-energy performances and timeless hits.

What sets “Forty-Five Hundred Times” apart is its unapologetic simplicity. Status Quo has never been a band to overcomplicate things, and this track is a perfect example of their less-is-more philosophy. The song’s structure is straightforward, but it’s executed with such precision and enthusiasm that it becomes something extraordinary. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful music is the kind that speaks directly to the heart and the hips.

For fans of boogie rock and classic rock, “Forty-Five Hundred Times” is a must-listen. It’s a song that captures the essence of Status Quo’s sound and spirit, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. With its infectious groove, unrelenting energy, and timeless appeal, this track is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest rock acts of all time. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering their music for the first time, “Forty-Five Hundred Times” is a reminder of why Status Quo continues to rock audiences around the world.

Video 

Lyrics: Forty-Five Hundred Times 

There’s nobody on the end of my line
I’m in time but somebody’s missing
Maybe I can find a hand for my hand
If I find a well for my wishing
Be my friend, be my friendIt gets lonely on a table for two
Laughing on your own can be no fun
Even people that are talking to you
Remind you that you’re really with no-one
Be my friend, be my friendTake me over like a thing from the past
Lots of people wishing they’d been there
No-one knowing just how long it would last
But I’m sitting still here in my chair
Be my friend, be my friend

Forty-five hundred times I told you how much I care
Forty-five hundred times I told you how much I care
Problems halved are the problems that we can share
White lies in our eyes, together not really there

Forty-five hundred times I told you you can lean on me
Forty-five hundred times I told you you can lean on me
Though it’s taken a long time for you to see
Where we’re at is the right place for us to be

I sure want to stay here, it sure feels fine
I feel I could be here a long long time
Now that I’ve made it, I don’t want to fade it
Now that I’ve made it with you

We came a long way, a slow way too
Up from the down way and back to you
Now that I’ve made it I don’t want to fade it
Now that I’ve made it with you