Sling Your Hook (Chas's Message To Cancer)

Album: Rockney (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • How many ways are there to tell someone goodbye and good riddance? There are a few in this song.

    Co-written as usual by the lads themselves, "Sling Your Hook" was first released in 1977 but was re-mastered for the 2005 compilation album The Very Best Of Chas & Dave, wherein it runs to 2 minutes 16 seconds.
  • "Sling your hook" is a British saying that translates to American English as "get lost." It's a kiss-off song, in no uncertain terms.
  • In 2018, this was re-released on A Little Bit Of Us with an extra verse and running to around 2 minutes 30 seconds. As might be inferred from the additional subtitle ("Chas's Message To Cancer"), this extra verse had a grim inspiration. The same month in an interview with the London freesheet Metro, Chas Hodges, then a youthful 74, told an unnamed staff writer, "It suited my situation with the cancer. I've had treatment for cancer of the esophagus, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I have check-ups every three months. I feel strong, I can play the piano, do gigs and my voice feels stronger than it did years ago." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for all above

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."