Songfacts®:

• Not to be confused with the later Steve Miller song of the same name, "The Joker" was co-written by composer Leslie Bricusse and lyricist Anthony Newley for The Roar Of The Greasepaint - The Smell Of The Crowd; it was performed in the show by Newley as the lead character, Cocky. Newley also directed the show.
  
  For some reason, producer David Merrick is said to have hated it, and tried to have it dropped, even going so far as to remove the sheet music from the orchestra pit. Fortunately, Newley felt just as strongly about retaining it, and won the battle of wills. It was performed in Act I of the show, which opened at the Shubert Theatre, Broadway (after seven previews) on May 16, 1965, running for 231 performances.
• What might be considered a stronger recording was made by the comedian Norman Wisdom. This was actually released in 1964, on the Columbia label backed by "Who Can I Turn To?"
• "The Joker" is a song for the odd man out; there's one in every crowd, the saying goes. This is a sad song which packs a punch, and one with which many of the more unfortunate amongst us will identify. >>>

  Suggestion credit:
  Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3