Shirley

L7's song 'Shirley' is a powerful tribute to Shirley Muldowney, the first woman to qualify and compete in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) dragster competition. The song captures the essence of Muldowney's groundbreaking achievements and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated sport. The lyrics celebrate her determination, skill, and the barriers she broke through, making her a symbol of empowerment and resilience.

The song opens with an introduction to Shirley Muldowney, setting the stage for her historic participation in drag racing. The lyrics 'Feels so real, Crushing the steering wheel' convey the intense and visceral experience of racing, highlighting Muldowney's control and mastery over her vehicle. The repeated questioning of 'How many times must we toe this line' reflects the persistent challenges and skepticism she faced from those who doubted her capabilities.

The chorus, with lines like 'Cha-cha! call her cha-cha! What's drag racing coming to?' and 'What's a beautiful girl like you doing racing in a place like this? Winning,' underscores the societal expectations and gender stereotypes Muldowney defied. The song emphasizes her success and the respect she earned, as seen in the lines 'Shirley Muldowney has just set a new track record!' and 'The lady got through it, Winning.' The repetition of 'Winning' serves as a powerful affirmation of her achievements and the impact she had on the sport.

L7's punk rock style, known for its raw energy and feminist themes, perfectly complements the story of Shirley Muldowney. The band's choice to honor Muldowney through this song aligns with their ethos of challenging norms and celebrating strong, trailblazing women. 'Shirley' is not just a song about racing; it's a celebration of breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion.