The Commodores’ classic “Brick House” is a 1977 funk track about a woman with an incredible physique who knows how attractive she is. The song celebrates her confidence, her body, and the way she commands attention everywhere she goes.
Below is a section-by-section breakdown of the lyrics in “Brick House.”
- Song: Brick House
- Artist: Commodores
- Songwriters: Lionel Richie, William King, Ronald LaPread, Milan Williams, Walter Orange, Thomas McClary
- Released: 1977
- Album: Commodores
- Genre: Funk
What is “Brick House” About?
Chorus: Built Strong
She’s a brick house
She’s mighty mighty, just letting it all hang out
A “brick house” means she’s stacked, well-shaped, and built solidly.
The phrase comes from “built like a brick sh*thouse,” an early-1900s slang term that originally described someone as muscular. Over time, it evolved into a compliment for voluptuous women.
“Letting it all hang out” could mean she’s showing skin, dancing, or just being completely herself without holding back.
She’s a brick house
I like ladies stacked and that’s a fact
Ain’t holding nothing back
“Stacked” means she has great curves and proportions. He’s attracted to women built like her.
She’s not hiding anything. She owns her body and her confidence.
She’s a brick house
Well put together, everybody knows
This is how the story goes
She’s perfectly proportioned and attractive.
Everyone notices her when she walks by.
In the second chorus, this line is added:
Oh, she’s a brick house
Yeah, she’s the one, the only one built like an Amazon
In Greek mythology, Amazons were fierce female warriors known for their strength.
He’s comparing her to an Amazon, saying she’s strong, powerful, and solidly built.
Verse 1: The Perfect Measurements
She knows she’s got everything
That a woman needs to get a man
She’s aware of how attractive she is.
She knows she has the physical attributes that men find appealing.
How can she lose with the stuff she use?
36-24-36, what a winning hand
The measurements 36-24-36 refer to bust, waist, and hip measurements in inches.
Those measurements were the mid-century standard for the “perfect” hourglass figure (famously associated with icons like Marilyn Monroe)
Verse 2: Turning Heads
The clothes she wear, her sexy ways
Make a old man wish for younger days
The way she dresses and carries herself is so attractive that even older men wish they were young again so they could pursue her.
She knows she’s built and knows how to please
Sure ‘nough to knock a strong man to his knees
She’s aware of her body and knows how to use her appeal.
Every man is attracted to her, regardless of age or status.
“Brick House” Song Meaning: Confidence and Attraction
“Brick House” is a celebration of a woman who’s physically attractive and confident in herself. She has the kind of body that turns heads wherever she goes, with the proportions and presence that command attention. She knows exactly what she’s got and isn’t shy about it.
The song is really about physical attraction. He’s drawn to her body, her confidence, and the way she carries herself. She dresses in a way that shows off her figure and has the kind of appeal that affects men of all ages.
The term “brick house” started as rough slang but became a genuine compliment. It means she’s put together in an undeniably attractive way.
Songs Like “Brick House”
Here are some other tracks celebrating attraction and confidence:
1. “Super Freak” by Rick James
“Super Freak” is an early ’80s funk hit about a woman who’s wild, uninhibited, and sexually confident, living life on her own terms.
2. “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan
This classic disco song celebrates female confidence and empowerment. Chaka Khan sings about embodying everything a woman can be.
Related: Best Songs About Strong Women
3. “Lady Marmalade” by Labelle
“Lady Marmalade” is a hit funk track about confident women in New Orleans who know their appeal and aren’t afraid to use it.
Related: “Lady Marmalade” Song Meaning
Conclusion: Confidence Is Everything
On top of having a legendary chorus, “Brick House” effectively redefined a piece of American slang. The Commodores took a gritty folk saying and transformed it into a tribute to the female form, ensuring that whenever someone is called a “brick house” today, they’re being celebrated for their strength, their curves, and their undeniable confidence.
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