HEART - STRAIGHT ON

Released: September 1978

Charts:  US: #15 

"Straight On" is a song released in 1978 as the lead single from the album “Dog & Butterfly”. It became the band’s third U.S. Top 20 hit, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Known for its catchy bass groove and empowering lyrics, the song has remained a staple in Heart's live performances since its release.

"Straight On" was written by Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson, along with longtime collaborator Sue Ennis, who was also part of The Lovemongers, a side project formed by the Wilson sisters in the 1990s. Ennis and the Wilsons share a friendship that dates back to their childhood, leading to a close creative partnership that enriched many of Heart's songs over the years.

This is a mid-tempo rock track that incorporates a funky, dance-like bass line, which Ann Wilson described as Heart’s first “dance song.” Reflecting the disco-influenced era of the late 1970s, the song uses gambling metaphors, like “deal me in,” to convey the protagonist’s determination in pursuing love. The structure is unusual, with an emphasis on the chorus and instrumental sections rather than traditional verses, adding to its distinctive groove and straightforward love theme.

“Dog & Butterfly” became a major success for Heart, achieving double-platinum status. The band embarked on an intense 77-city tour that proved exhausting and led to significant changes within the lineup. During this period, guitarist Roger Fisher left after a breakdown to form his own band, while manager Mike Fisher (also Ann Wilson’s partner) exited both the band and his relationship with her. Bassist Steve Fossen and drummer Michael DeRosier also departed soon afterward. The album itself is thematically split: Side 1, the "dog side," contains Heart’s hard rock tracks, while Side 2, the "butterfly side," features softer ballads, creating a duality that reflects the band's musical versatility.