Snookeroo

Album: Goodnight Vienna (1974)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written specifically for Ringo by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. A "snookeroo" is an English expression for a man who does nothing but play snooker (a variation of pool) all day and night.
  • In America, this was released as a double A-side single with "No No Song," a track that makes numerous drug references. American audiences far preferred the song about drugs to the song about snooker, and "No No Song" became the hit, reaching #3.

    In the UK, "Snookeroo" was released as a single backed by "Oo-Wee," but failed to chart.

Comments: 2

  • Ken from Louisville, KyThe line "two rooms up and two rooms down" is a variation of the British expression "Two up, two down", a description of "council" or public housing. "Sister used to make the News" is a reference to "News Of The World", which was the leading British tabloid scandal sheet.
  • Nikolai from Los Angeles, CaThis song is awesome.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.