About the song
“The Joker” is a classic rock song by the American band Steve Miller Band, featured on their eighth studio album of the same name, released in 1973. This song, known for its distinctive blend of rock and blues, was initially released as a single in October 1973 and quickly captured the public’s imagination. It soared to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 1974, showcasing the band’s unique style and solidifying their place in rock history. The song also achieved notable chart success internationally, reaching the top 20 in Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands.
More than 16 years after its initial release, “The Joker” experienced a resurgence in popularity. In September 1990, it reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks. This resurgence was fueled by its use in a television advertisement for Levi’s, which significantly boosted its profile. The song’s reissue also topped charts in Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and other countries, further demonstrating its enduring appeal. Its success during this period even led to some controversy, as it kept Deee-Lite’s “Groove Is in the Heart” from reaching the top spot.
“The Joker” stands out for its playful and eclectic lyrics, which incorporate a mix of references to earlier songs and playful made-up words. One of its most memorable elements is the use of the nonce word “pompatus,” a term that Miller borrowed from the 1954 hit “Lovey Dovey” by the Clovers. The original song used the lyric “You’re the cutest thing that I ever did see / I really love your peaches, wanna shake your tree / Lovey dovey, lovey dovey, lovey dovey all the time,” which Miller adapted into his own whimsical context.
Steve Miller’s use of the term “pompatus” was inspired by a misheard word from the Medallions’ song “The Letter,” where the term “puppetutes” was originally used. Miller’s playful reinterpretation of this term into “pompatus” added a unique and memorable twist to the song. Additionally, the song references other works from Miller’s own catalog, including “Space Cowboy,” “Gangster of Love,” and “Enter Maurice,” showcasing his talent for weaving complex musical references into his lyrics.
“The Joker” remains a significant part of Steve Miller Band’s legacy, celebrated for its catchy melody, innovative lyrics, and timeless appeal. For older and educated audiences, the song offers a nostalgic journey into the rock and pop culture of the 1970s, while its later success demonstrates the enduring nature of Miller’s music across generations.
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Lyrics
Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah
Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me Maurice
‘Cause I speak of the pompatus of love a
People talk about me baby
Say I’m doin’ you wrong, doin’ you wrong
Well, don’t you worry, baby, don’t worry
‘Cause I’m right here, right here, right here, right here at home
‘Cause I’m a picker
I’m a grinner
I’m a lover
And I’m a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I’m a joker
I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I sure don’t want to hurt no one
I’m a picker
I’m a grinner
I’m a lover
And I’m a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I’m a joker
I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I get my lovin’ on the run
Ooh, whoo, ooh, whoo
You’re the cutest thing that I ever did see
I really love your peaches
Wanna shake your tree
Lovey dovey, lovey dovey, lovey dovey all the time
Ooh wee baby, I’ll sure show you a good time
‘Cause I’m a picker
I’m a grinner
I’m a lover
And I’m a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I’m a joker
I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I get my lovin’ on the run
I’m a picker
I’m a grinner
I’m a lover
And I’m a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I’m a joker
I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I sure don’t want to hurt no one
Ooh, whoo, ooh, whoo
People keep talkin’ about me baby
Say I’m doin’ you wrong
Well don’t you worry, don’t worry, no don’t worry mama
‘Cause I’m right here at home
You’re the cutest thing I ever did see
I really love your peaches
Wanna shake your tree
Lovey dovey, lovey dovey, lovey dovey all the time
Come on baby now, I’ll show you a good time