The Ballad of Lucy Jordan

Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, Dr. Hook

About The Ballad of Lucy Jordan

"The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" is a song by American poet and songwriter Shel Silverstein. It was originally recorded by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, with the name spelled "Jordon". The song describes the disillusionment and mental deterioration of a suburban housewife, who climbs to a rooftop "when the laughter grew too loud".


Year:
1984
3:54
151 
#1

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The mornin' sun touched lightly on the eyes of Lucy Jordan
In her white suburban bedroom, in a white suburban town
As she lay there 'neath the covers, dreaming of a thousand lovers
'Til the world turned to orange and the room went spinnin' round

At the age of 37, she realized she'd never ride through Paris
In a sports car, with the warm wind in her hair
And she let the phone keep ringin' as she sat there softly singin'
Pretty nursery rhymes she'd memorized in her daddy's easy chair

Her husband, he was off to work, and the kids were off to school
And there were oh so many ways for her to spend her day
She could clean the house for hours, or rearrange the flowers
Or run naked down the shady street screaming all the way

At the age of 37, she realized she'd never ride through Paris
In a sports car, with the warm wind in her hair
And she let that phone keep ringin' as she sat there softly singin'
Pretty nursery rhymes she'd memorized in her daddy's easy chair

The evening sun touched gently on the eyes of Lucy Jordan
On the rooftop where she'd climbed when all the laughter grew too loud
And she bowed and curtsy to the man, who reached and offered her his hand
And led her down to the long white car that waited past the crowd

At the age of 37, she knew she'd found forever as they rode along through Paris
With the warm wind in her hair
Ooooohhh yes with the wind in her hair oooooohhhh

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Dr. Hook

Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show (shortened to Dr. Hook in 1975) is an American rock band, formed in Union City, New Jersey. The band had commercial success in the 1970s with hit singles "Sylvia's Mother", "The Cover of 'Rolling Stone'" (both 1972), "Only Sixteen" (1975), "A Little Bit More" (1976), "Sharing the Night Together" (1978), "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman" (1979), "Better Love Next Time" (1979), and "Sexy Eyes" (1980). In addition to its own material, Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show performed songs written by the poet Shel Silverstein. The band had eight years of hits in the United States. Its music, spanning novelty songs, acoustic ballads, and soft rock, was played on Top 40, easy listening, and country music outlets throughout the Englis… more »

8 fans

Written by: SHEL SILVERSTEIN

Lyrics © T.R.O. INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

General Information
"The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" is a song composed and written by American singer-songwriter Shel Silverstein.
Performers
Although the song is well-known for Dr. Hook's performance, it has been covered by many artists including Marianne Faithfull, whose version appears in the soundtrack for Thelma & Louise.
Release Details
Dr. Hook's version was released in 1974 as an album track on their record "Bankrupt".
Song Content
The song tells a story of a housewife named Lucy Jordan who reflects on her life and dreams she'll never fulfill, leading to a mental breakdown.
Interpretation
Some interpretations suggest that the song's ending alludes to Lucy's suicide, while others believe she has been taken to a mental institution.
Pop Culture References
The song's most notable use in pop culture is in the film "Montenegro" and "Thelma & Louise", creating a resurgence of popularity for the song in the late 20th century.
Song Rankings
While Dr. Hook's version didn't reach the music charts, Marianne Faithful's 1979 cover achieved great success going all the way to number 1 in Norway, and reaching top 10 in several other countries including UK.
Original Writer
Shel Silverstein, who wrote the song, was a famous poet, cartoonist, and writer for children's books, notably known for titles like "Where The Sidewalk Ends" and "The Giving Tree."
Music Style
"The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" is characterized by its melancholic tune and deep storytelling narrative, typical of country, folk and pop ballads of the 70s era.
Legacy
Despite its somber theme, "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" has been hailed as a timeless classic and continues to be covered by emerging artists.
Differences in Version
While Dr. Hook's version is more country or folk-oriented, Marianne Faithfull's version is more melodic with a notable orchestral backing.
Song Connection
Barry Reynolds, who later worked with Marianne Faithfull on her album "Broken English," was inspired by Dr. Hook's version of this song.

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