Rod Stewart’s “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” – Glam, Groove, and the Art of Reinvention
By the late 1970s, Rod Stewart was already a rock icon—known for his raspy voice, shaggy hair, and emotionally raw ballads like “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well.” So when he released “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” in 1978, fans and critics alike were stunned.
Gone was the folk-rock troubadour. In his place? A disco-glam superstar, strutting in satin, embracing synthesizers, and asking a flirtatious question that would become one of pop music’s most iconic hooks:
“If you want my body, and you think I’m sexy, come on, sugar, let me know…”
It was either a betrayal or a brilliant reinvention—depending on who you asked.
The Sound: Disco Meets Rock
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” is drenched in the disco influences of the late ’70s: four-on-the-floor drumbeats, a thumping bass line, flashy string arrangements, and a synthesizer hook that feels straight out of Studio 54.
But it wasn’t pure disco. Underneath the gloss, you can still hear Stewart’s rock-and-roll roots, especially in his unmistakable vocal delivery. He doesn’t croon—he pleads, teases, and belts—bringing a gritty human edge to a song built for the dancefloor.
Fun fact: the chorus melody was loosely inspired by Jorge Ben Jor’s “Taj Mahal,” and later Stewart donated royalties to UNICEF in acknowledgment.
The Lyrics: Playful and Ironic
While some took the song at face value—accusing Stewart of selling out to commercial trends—there’s a playful irony beneath the surface. The lyrics tell the story of two lonely people meeting at a club, each putting on a sexy, confident front while secretly just wanting love and connection.
“He says I’m sorry but I’m out of milk and coffee / Never mind, sugar, we can watch the early movie.”
It’s not just about sex appeal—it’s about human awkwardness, vulnerability, and the masks we wear in the name of attraction. Rod’s wink is there if you’re paying attention.
The Backlash – and the Success
Critics were harsh. Longtime fans of Stewart’s rock sound felt betrayed by his disco detour. He was accused of “jumping on the disco bandwagon”—and maybe he was.
But the public? They couldn’t get enough.
“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” hit #1 in the US, UK, Canada, and several other countries. It became one of his biggest hits ever and a defining track of the disco era—even for someone who wasn’t a disco artist by trade.
A Cultural Icon
Today, “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” is more than just a hit song—it’s a piece of pop culture history. It’s been covered, sampled, parodied (famously by Revolting Cocks, Al Yankovic, and even featured in Shrek 2), and played everywhere from retro clubs to commercials.
It’s one of those songs that doesn’t just survive despite the cheesiness—it survives because of it. It’s fun, self-aware, and unapologetically over-the-top.
Final Thoughts
Rod Stewart’s “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” is a testament to the power of artistic risk. It wasn’t what people expected from him—but it became a career-defining moment nonetheless.
It reminds us that even the roughest rock stars can put on a glittery shirt, hit the dancefloor, and still keep their edge.
So—do we think he’s sexy?
After all these years, the answer’s still: “Come on, sugar—let us know.”
