I Was Only Joking

Album: Foot Loose & Fancy Free (1977)
Charted: 5
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  • Ever since I was a kid in school
    I messed around with all the rules
    Apologized, then realized
    I'm not different after all

    Me and the boys thought we had is sussed
    Valentino's all of us
    My dad said we looked ridiculous
    But, boy, we broke some hearts

    In and out of jobs, running free
    Waging war with society
    Dumb, blank faces stared back at me
    But nothing ever changed

    Promises made in the heat of night
    Creepin' home before it got too light
    I wasted all that precious time
    And blamed it on the wine

    I was only joking, my dear
    Looking for a way to hide my fear
    What kind of fool was I?
    I could never win

    Never found a compromise
    Collected lovers like butterflies
    Illusions of that grand first prize
    Are slowly wearin' thin
    Susie, baby, you were good to me
    Giving love unselfishly
    But you took it all too seriously
    I guess it had to end

    I was only joking, my dear
    Looking for a way to hide my fear
    What kind of fool was I?
    I could never win

    Now you ask me if I'm sincere
    That's the question that I always fear
    Verse seven is never clear
    But I'll tell you what you want to hear
    I try to give you all you want
    But giving love is not my strongest point
    If that's the case, it's pointless going on
    I'd rather be alone

    'Cause what I'm doing must be wrong
    Pouring my heart out in a song
    Owning up for prosperity
    For the whole damn world to see

    Quietly now while I turn a page
    Act one is over without costume change
    The principal would like to leave the stage
    The crowd don't understand Writer/s: GARY GRAINGER, ROD STEWART
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 4

  • Anthony from New JerseyAnyone ever listen to this song, even remotely carefully? Saw the album up on Apple Music and I clicked on the song to listen to it. The thing is I’m like “WAIT! I RECOGNIZE THIS! Where from?” Then I figured it out. For the most part melody wise, this is a copy of Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas”. The way it’s sang and the melody for all intents and purposes IS that song! I was like “NO WAY!” But it’s true. I dare anyone here to tell me otherwise if you go and listen to that song (If you have it) and then listen to Stewarts “I Was Only Joking”. I don’t man, VERY strange. The lyrics are of course different but the notes and the tone/style of the vocals are the same! Check it out.
  • Ts from UkSensational song which says so much about my life... Will be played at my funeral.
  • Brad from FlJim Cregan plays a wonderful bridge on this song (at least he does at Hyde Park the Hot Rod in 2010).
  • Debby from UsaRod has admitted that this song was about his first love, Sussane Boffey, who gave birth to his first child Sarah.
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