"Stranglehold" is a single and the first track from Ted Nugent's self-titled 1975 album. The vocals are by Derek St. Holmes. However, the "Sometimes you wanna get higher" verse is sung by Nugent. Nugent admits that the song was cowritten by Rob Grange, who received no share.

"Stranglehold" – a guitar-driven track, over eight minutes long - set the stage for Nugent's career, its guitar solo having been recorded in a single take. “I used delays to create this really wild guitar duet with Ted," said producer Tom Werman. "It was like two guys were playing. I sent it off to Ted for his approval. He called me up and said, ‘I love what you did with Stranglehold – but don’t ever do that again without asking me.’”

'Stranglehold' has been ranked 31st greatest guitar solo of all time by Guitar World.

Lyrics

Here I come again now baby

Like a dog in heat

Tell it's me by the clamor now baby

I like to tear up the street

And I been smokin for so long

You know I'm here to stay

Got you in a stranglehold baby

You best get outta the way

Road I cruise is a bitch now baby

No you cant turn me round

And if a house gets in my way baby

You know I'll burn it down

You ran the night that you left me

You put me in my place

Got you in a stranglehold baby

You gonna crush your face

Yeah, sometimes you want to get higher A sometimes you gotta start low Some people think they gonna die someday I got news you never got to go old

Come on, come on up Come on, come on up Come on, come on up Come on, come on up Come on, come on baby Come on, come on, come on, come on up Come on, come on, come on, come on baby Come on, come on, come on

The road I cruise is a bitch now baby You know you can't turn me 'round Yeah and if a house gets in my way You know I'll burn it down You remember the night that you left me You put me in my place I got you in a stranglehold baby Last night I crushed your face

Songwriters: Ted Nugent

Stranglehold lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc