CLOUT - SUBSTITUTE

Released : November 1977 (SA)  August 1978 (US)

Charted:  UK: #2   US: #67 

"Substitute" is a song by Willie H. Wilson, recorded first by The Righteous Brothers and released as a single from their album The Sons of Mrs. Righteous in 1975. A 1978 version by the South African all-female band Clout was a global hit. Clout was brand new, and Beggs had them record this song as their first single - sort of. He had the girls sing on it, but used a band called Circus to play the instruments. The song became a surprise hit, going to #1 in South Africa, New Zealand and parts of Europe. It also made #2 in the UK (behind "You're The One That I Want" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John).

"Substitute" is a song about unrequited love and the desire to be someone's substitute for the person they are pining over. The protagonist of the song, named Sam, has been waiting patiently for a loved one who has not returned. The lyrics convey Sam's dedication, loyalty, and faithfulness throughout their time together.

However, the speaker realizes that they have been neglected and left alone while Sam continues to wait for the person who is not coming back. They express a longing for the same kind of devotion and promise to provide everything they can if they were given that same level of commitment. The singer offers to be Sam's substitute, to fill the void left by the person they are waiting for, whenever Sam wants or needs them. The chorus emphasizes the singer's willingness to be there for Sam, acting as a substitute for the person he is longing for. They assure Sam that they will be available whenever desired or needed. The repetition of the chorus underscores their dedication and the willingness to fill the emotional void. In the bridge, the singer observes how Sam waits hopefully at the window, yearning to see the face of the person they are waiting for. The speaker suggests that Sam should forget about this person and find someone else who can take their place. This insight implies their intention to be that replacement, to be the one who can fulfill Sam's emotional needs and desires.

The disco diva Gloria Gaynor recorded this song in 1978 at the behest of her record label. At the same session, she recorded a song called "I Will Survive," which was released as the B-side of her "Substitute" single. This single stalled at #107 in the US, but many DJs flipped it and played the B-side, so it was released with the sides reversed and "I Will Survive" shot to #1. Gaynor's version uses the same lyrics as Clout's - it's likely that someone in her camp heard the Clout version and thought Gaynor could make it a hit in America.

Fun fact: It was very common when a song was very successful to hear people in pubs singing it out loud. It was also very common to hear the lyrics of many popular songs being changed. Therefore, it was very common to hear how the lyrics were transformed into: "I'll be your prostitute whenever you want me".