I Was Only Joking

Rod Stewart

About I Was Only Joking

"I Was Only Joking" is a song written by Gary Grainger and Rod Stewart. Stewart released it as a track on his 1977 album, Foot Loose & Fancy Free. When released as a single, the song performed well, becoming a top 40 hit in various countries, including #5 in the UK and #22 in the US. In the United Kingdom, "I Was Only Joking" charted as part of a double A-side with "Hot Legs". The song is one of Stewart's most loved songs, containing some of his finest sets of lyrics. A heartfelt tale of youth, looked on from a now-mature perspective in regret and sorrow. A long guitar solo features, starting with acoustic then moving to electric. The solo is played by Stewart's frequent collaborator and English guitarist Jim Cregan. It is seen as one of the best guitar solos in classic rock. 


Year:
1989
4:51
108 
#2

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Ever since I was a kid in school
I messed around with all the rules
Apologized, then realized
I'm not different after all

Me and the boys thought we had is sussed
Valentino's all of us
My dad said we looked ridiculous
But, boy, we broke some hearts
 
In and out of jobs, running free
Waging war with society
Dumb, blank faces stared back at me
But nothing ever changed

Promises made in the heat of night
Creepin' home before it got too light
I wasted all that precious time
And blamed it on the wine
 
I was only joking, my dear
Looking for a way to hide my fear
What kind of fool was I?
I could never win
 
Never found a compromise
Collected lovers like butterflies
Illusions of that grand first prize
Are slowly wearin' thin
Susie, baby, you were good to me
Giving love unselfishly
But you took it all too seriously
I guess it had to end

I was only joking, my dear
Looking for a way to hide my fear
What kind of fool was I?
I could never win
 
Now you ask me if I'm sincere
That's the question that I always fear
Verse seven is never clear
But I'll tell you what you want to hear
I try to give you all you want
But giving love is not my strongest point
If that's the case, it's pointless going on
I'd rather be alone
 
'Cause what I'm doing must be wrong
Pouring my heart out in a song
Owning up for prosperity
For the whole damn world to see

Quietly now while I turn a page
Act one is over without costume change
The principal would like to leave the stage
The crowd don't understand

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Rod Stewart

Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE (born 10 January 1945) is a British singer-songwriter, born and raised in North London, England, and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry. With his distinctive raspy singing voice, Stewart came to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s with The Jeff Beck Group and then Faces. He launched his solo career in 1969 with his debut album An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down (US: The Rod Stewart Album). His work with The Jeff Beck Group and Faces influenced heavy metal genres. more »

14 fans

Written by: GARY GRAINGER, ROD STEWART

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Song Title
The song title is "I Was Only Joking."
Artist
The artist who performed this song is Sir Roderick David Stewart, popularly known as Rod Stewart.
Release Date
This song was released in November 1977.
Album
"I Was Only Joking" is a track from Rod Stewart's 8th studio album, "Foot Loose & Fancy Free."
Songwriters
It was written by Rod Stewart along with Gary Grainger.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Music Style
The song showcases Rod Stewart's signature blend of folk, pop and rock music.
Lyrics Theme
The lyrics beautifully capture the sentiments of regret and introspection, discussing the journey from youthful recklessness to adult regret.
High Acclaim
Though it wasn't one of Stewart's number one hits, "I Was Only Joking" has been highly praised for its deep lyrical content and powerful musical composition.
Song Duration
The original album version of the song has a length of 6 minutes and 7 seconds, though the single released was a shorter version.
Notable Use
The song has been used in popular culture multiple times, including in an episode of the UK TV Comedy "The Royle Family."
Early Launch
Before the album "Foot Loose & Fancy Free," the song "I Was Only Joking" was initially launched as the flip side of Rod Stewart's single "Hot Legs."
Background
In interviews, Rod Stewart has mentioned that the song is reflective of his own youthful recklessness and follies.
Success
Despite not hitting the number one spot, it's become one of Stewart's most beloved songs, according to fan polls.

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    I Was Only Joking

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1978

    Billboard #22


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