About the song
“Games People Play” is one of those classic songs that captures the complexities of human relationships and social interactions. Performed by Joe South, with its original release in 1968, the song quickly became an anthem that resonated with many, climbing to the top of the charts and even earning South a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Song. The track is well known for its insightful lyrics, which delve into the hypocrisy and insincerity often seen in human behavior. Its catchy, folk-rock sound made it a memorable hit of its time, and it remains influential even decades later.
When Joe South, Tommy Roe, and Billy Joe Royal took to the stage on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” they brought this powerful song to a massive television audience. The Ed Sullivan Show was known for showcasing some of the most talented and influential artists of the time, and this performance was no exception. Each of these performers had established themselves in the music industry, and their collaboration on this particular show was a momentous occasion.
Joe South, known not only for his solo work but also for his songwriting talents, was the driving force behind “Games People Play.” His ability to craft lyrics that were both poignant and relatable made this song stand out. Tommy Roe, another prominent figure in the music scene, was famous for his catchy pop hits, and his presence added a layer of mainstream appeal to the performance. Billy Joe Royal, with his distinctive voice and country-soul style, rounded out the trio, giving the performance a unique and diverse sound.
The performance of “Games People Play” on The Ed Sullivan Show was a moment that highlighted the song’s enduring relevance. The combination of South’s insightful lyrics, Roe’s pop sensibilities, and Royal’s soulful delivery made it a performance to remember. It was a showcase of talent and a reminder of the power of music to reflect and comment on the human condition.
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Lyrics
Hmm la-da da da da da da da
La-da da da da da de
La-da da da da da da da
La-da da da da da da da
Oh the games people play now
Every night and every day now
Never meaning what they say now
Never saying what they mean
And they wile away the hours
In their ivory towers
Till they’re covered up with flowers
In the back of a black limousine whoa
La-da da da da da da da
La-da da da da da de
Talking ’bout you and me
And the games people play
Oh we make one another cry
Break a heart then we say goodbye
Cross our hearts and we hope to die
That the other was to blame whoa
Neither one will give in
So we gaze at our eight by ten
Thinking ’bout the things that might have been
And it’s a dirty rotten shame whoa
La-da da da da da da da
La-da da da da da de
Talking ’bout you and me
And the games people play now
Oh yeah
All right
Oh yeah
Come on
Oh
Come again
People walking up to ya
Singing glory Hallelujah
And they’re tryin’ to sock it to you
In the name of the Lord
They’re gonna teach you how to meditate
Read your horoscope, cheat your fate
And further more to hell with hate
Come on and get on board whoah
La-da da da da da da da
La-da da da da da de
Talking ’bout you and me
And the games people play
Now wait a minute
Look around tell me what you see
What’s happening to you and me
God grant me the serenity
To just remember who I am whoah
‘Cause you’ve given up your sanity
For your pride and your vanity
Turn your back on humanity
Oh and you don’t give a da da da da da
La-da da da da da da da
La-da da da da da de
I keep talking ’bout you and me baby
And the games people play now lala
La-da da da da da da da
La-da da da da da de
I keep talking ’bout you and me
Oh and the games people play
I wonder can you come now, play
Talking ’bout you and me oh
And the games people play now