About the song
Boz Scaggs, a master of blending rock, blues, and R&B, graced us with another classic in his 1980 hit “JoJo.” This track is featured on his acclaimed album “Middle Man,” which further cemented his place in the pantheon of rock legends.
Boz Scaggs, born William Royce Scaggs, began his journey in the music world during the 1960s as a member of the Steve Miller Band before embarking on a successful solo career. His breakthrough came with the 1976 album “Silk Degrees,” which included timeless hits like “Lowdown” and “Lido Shuffle.” The album’s fusion of rock, smooth rhythms, and danceable beats earned it multi-platinum status and established Scaggs as a formidable talent.
“JoJo,” a standout track from “Middle Man,” exemplifies Scaggs’ talent for storytelling through music. The song’s smooth, jazzy undertones are complemented by his soulful vocals, creating a narrative that’s both engaging and poignant. The lyrics weave a tale of a man named JoJo, caught up in a life of luxury and excess, yet marked by an underlying sense of melancholy and introspection. This blend of catchy melody and deep lyrical content showcases Scaggs’ unique ability to create music that resonates on multiple levels.
“JoJo” enjoyed significant success, climbing to number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement is a testament to Scaggs’ enduring appeal, even as the musical landscape was shifting in the early 1980s. The song’s chart performance underscored his ability to remain relevant and captivating in a rapidly changing industry.
The “Middle Man” album itself was well-received, praised for its polished production and cohesive sound. Alongside “JoJo,” tracks like “Breakdown Dead Ahead” and “Simone” highlight Scaggs’ versatility and skill. The album blends introspective lyrics with innovative melodies, offering a rich listening experience that appeals to both the heart and the intellect.
For those who appreciate the depth and evolution of classic rock, “JoJo” stands as a shining example of Boz Scaggs’ artistry. His music, with its rich tapestry of sounds and compelling narratives, continues to captivate audiences. Whether you’re revisiting “JoJo” or hearing it for the first time, it’s clear that Boz Scaggs’ contributions to music are timeless, resonating as powerfully today as they did decades ago.
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Lyrics
Look out behind you
Jojo’s got his gun
He wouldn’t mean to do but
You know he likes his fun
Jojo dig those spinning lights
Way out games and dizzy heights below him
Jojo dig those Broadway nights
Flashy lines, you know him (you know him)
He’s got you covered
You’ll know it right out front, mmm-mmm
Hey, 50 dollars
He’ll get you all you want
Jojo dig those spinning lights
Way out games and dizzy heights below him
And it’s all below him
Jojo dig those Broadway nights
Flashy lines, you know him
Ever so rarely that man in a million’s born
Gentle and soft, but who’d just as soon off you
For looking the wrong way as not
(Jojo) go Jo
His baby stays high
Got to keep her sweet
And he keeps her just right
Keeps her on the street
Jojo dig those spinning lights
(Way out games and dizzy heights) oh, below him
Jojo dig those Broadway nights
(Flashy lines) oh, you know him
Jojo dig those spinning lights
Way out games and dizzy heights below him
(Jojo dig those Broadway nights) Broadway nights
(Flashy lines) you know him
Say, what do you think of gentlemen wearing mink?
Gentle and soft, but who’d just as soon off you (ah)
For looking the wrong way as not (ah-ah, ah, ah-ah)
(Jojo) go Jo
So you can’t hang you
Jojo guide them
Though he wouldn’t need to (ah)
He’d be loved to, ah, ah (ah-ah)
Jojo did those spinning lights (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Way out games and dizzy heights below him (ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
Man is well below him
Jojo dig those Broadway nights (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Flashy lines you, know him (ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
(Yeah), yeah, yeah
Jojo
(Ah, ah) our love can grow
(Ah, ah, ah) Jojo
(Ah, ah) now, now, now
(Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)