Meet Sally – the most popular girl in music history who probably doesn’t even know it. From rock anthems to soulful ballads, artists have turned to this evergreen name to tell stories of love, longing, and happening.
Whether she’s racing down highways in a Mustang, dancing through alleyways, or simply resting in someone’s arms, Sally represents the free spirit we all admire.
The name Sally has a musical magic that resonates across genres and generations. Rock legends like Eric Clapton and Little Richard have immortalized her in unforgettable hooks, while contemporary artists keep adding to her story.
These songs capture different sides of Sally’s personality – sometimes she’s the girl next door, other times she’s a mysterious wanderer.
Each artist brings their own vision to life, creating a rich tapestry of musical narratives that celebrate this iconic character.
Iconic Songs About Sally That Made Her a Music Legend
From Eric Clapton’s tender ballads to Little Richard’s rock anthems, these fifteen songs showcase how Sally became music’s most celebrated character across decades and genres.
1. Lay Down Sally – Eric Clapton
HOOK
Lay down, Sally, and rest here in my arms.
Don’t you think you want someone to talk to?
Lay down, Sally, no need to leave so soon.
I’ve been trying all night long just to talk to you.
2. Mustang Sally – Sir Mack Rice / Buddy Guy
HOOK
Mustang Sally,
Guess you better slow that Mustang down.
Mustang Sally, now baby,
Guess you better slow that Mustang down.
You’ve been running all over town,
Ooh, I guess you gotta put your flat feet on the ground.CHORUS
All you wanna do is ride around, Sally (Ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around, Sally (Ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around, Sally (Ride, Sally, ride)
All you wanna do is ride around, Sally (Ride, Sally, ride)
One of these early mornings
I’m gonna be wiping those weepin’ eyes
3. Sally Cinnamon – The Stone Roses
HOOK
“Until Sally I was never happy
I needed so much more
Rain clouds, oh, they used to chase me
Down they would pour
Join my tears
Allay my fears
Sent to me from heaven
Sally Cinnamon
You are my world”
4. Long Tall Sally – Little Richard / The Beatles / The Kinks
HOOK
“Well, long tall Sally, she’s built for speed,
She got everything that Uncle John need.
Oh baby,
Ye-e-e-eh baby,
Woo-o-o-oh baby,
Havin’ me some fun tonight.”……
“Well, I saw Uncle John with blonde-haired Sally,
He saw Aunt Mary comin’ and he ducked back in the alley.
Oh baby,
Ye-e-e-eh baby,
Woo-o-o-oh baby,
Havin’ me some fun tonight.”
5. Sally Can’t Dance – Lou Reed
HOOK
Sally dances on the floor.
She says that she can’t do it anymore.
She walks down St. Marks Place
And eats natural food at my place.CHORUS
Now Sally can’t dance no more,
She can’t get off of the floor.
6. Ride Sally Ride – Al Green / Lou Reed
HOOK
Sally was a girl that lived in Memphis
Was down on all the latest dances
I found the groove and Sally start to move
And all the guys taking chances and everybody would say…..
Ride Sally ride, is all you gotta do, wipe your weepin’ eyes
Tell you just shake it to the east now, baby, yeah just
Shake it to the west now, baby, hey, baby just
Shake now, shake it, shake, shake it, yeah
7. Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley – Robert Palmer
HOOK
Sneakin’ Sally through the alley,
Sneakin’ Sally through the alley,
Sneakin’ Sally through the alley,
Trying to keep her out of sight.
8. Sally (When The Wine Runs Out) – Role Model
HOOK
Well, I met Sally at a late-night dive bar
She don’t dance, but she downs her drinks
Heard through a friend she’s a born-again wildcard
She was telling me wild things
Oh, she was telling me wild things
9. Sally Ann – Natalie Merchant
HOOK
“You go home with Sally Ann,
You go home with Sally Ann,
You go home.”
10. Sally Ann – Rufus Wainwright
HOOK
“My true love did breathe by the Sally Ann so softly
That while walkin’ through the town only my heart did hear him
In views of the city
There ain’t many folks by the Sally Ann so pretty
That while walkin’ through town, many a twisted features
Made a terrible beauty
And then I knew
11. Sally I Can See You – Kimbra
HOOK
Sally I can see you, I’m not the girl I once used to be
I feel so light and naive
In my heart, it hasn’t changed
Sally I can see you, you’re not the girl you once used to be
I don’t know how I got here, but my heart it hasn’t changed
12. Sally’s Song – Catherine O’Hara
HOOK
Sally don’t you weep, don’t you sigh
Though you’re small your heart is true
Your dream is in your mind
13. My Pet Sally – Blink-182
HOOK
Well my pet Sally, she’s a user
Likes to party, no abuser
Late night calls, to tell me lies
Caught up in her sweet surprise
14. Sally Simpson – The Who
HOOK
Sally Simpson took her car to town
Sally Simpson had herself a little run around
Sally Simpson thought that she would get away
Sally couldn’t wait one more day
15. Sally’s Pigeons – Cyndi Lauper
HOOK
Sally had a little baby
The only one she ever had
And when the baby was born
The doctors said ‘It’s bad’
Sally’s Musical Legacy Lives On!
Sally has proven herself as music’s most versatile character, inspiring artists across every genre and generation.
From Eric Clapton’s gentle invitation to “lay down” to Little Richard’s energetic celebration of “Long Tall Sally,” this name has become synonymous with musical storytelling at its finest.
These songs showcase Sally’s many faces – the free spirit, the heartbreaker, the girl next door, and the mysterious wanderer.
Each artist has contributed to her legend, creating a musical tapestry that spans decades and continues growing.
What’s your favorite Sally song from this collection? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Ready for more musical trivia? Check out our Mind-Blowing Pop Music Facts You Didn’t Know! for more engaging stories behind your favorite hits!
Kelsey Roberts is an accomplished songwriter with a knack for crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners. Having written for both indie artists and major labels, Kelsey brings a deep understanding of what makes a song truly impactful. Her expertise includes everything from song structure to lyrical storytelling. She’s passionate about helping others discover their voice through songwriting, providing tips and inspiration for creating songs that touch hearts.
