Jackie
The Walker Brothers, Scott Walker
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And if one day I should become A singer with a Spanish bum Who sings for women of great virtue I'd sing to them with a guitar I borrowed from a coffee bar Well, what you don't know doesn't hurt you My name would be Antonio And all my bridges I would burn And when I gave them some they'd know I'd expect something in return I'd have to get drunk every night And talk about virility With some old grandmother That might be decked out like a Christmas tree And though pink elephants I'd see Though I'd be drunk as I could be Still I would sing my song to me About the time they called me "Jacky" If I could be for only an hour If I could be for an hour every day If I could be for just one little hour Cute in a stupid ass way And if I joined the social whirl Became procurer of young girls Then I would have my own bordellos My record would be number one And I'd sell records by the ton All sung by many other fellows My name would then be handsome Jack And I'd sell boats of opium Whiskey that came from Twickenham Authentic queers And phony virgins If I had banks on every finger A finger in every country And every country ruled by me I'd still know where I'd want to be Locked up inside my opium den Surrounded by some china men I'd sing the song that I sang then About the time they called me "Jacky" If I could be for only an hour If I could be for an hour every day If I could be for just one little hour Cute in a stupid ass way Now, tell me, wouldn't it be nice That if one day in paradise I'd sing for all the ladies up there And they would sing along with me And we be so happy there to be Cause down below is really nowhere My name would then be Juniper Then I would know where I was going And then I would become all knowing My beard so very long and flowing If I became deaf, dumb and blind (was: If I could play deaf, dumb and blind) Because I pitied all mankind And broke my heart to make things right I know that every single night When my angelic work was through The angels and the Devil too Would sing my childhood song to me About the time they called me "Jacky" If I could be for only an hour If I could be for an hour every day If I could be for just one little hour Cute in a stupid ass way
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Written by: Scott Thomas
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
21 facts about this song
History"Jackie" is a song initially released by Belgian singer Jacques Brel in 1965. However, the English translation by Mort Shuman was performed and recorded by the Walker Brothers in 1967.
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LyricsThe English-language version of "Jackie" features lyrics that describe a singer who dreams of returning to a successful life in music. This version notably changes several elements from Brel's original French version, enhancing its fit for an English-speaking audience.
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Reception"Jackie" performed well in the UK on its release by the Walker Brothers, reaching number 22 in the UK Singles Chart in January 1968.
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Notable PerformancesScott Walker, a member of the Walker Brothers, also recorded a solo performance of "Jackie" for his album "Scott 2". This solo version has often been highly praised.
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ControversyThe song was initially banned by the BBC due to its lyrics mentioning drugs and suggestive content, such as the line that describes the character Jackie relying on "opium and Johnny Walker".
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Other VersionsBesides the Walker Brothers, "Jackie" has been covered by several other artists, including Marc Almond and Jack L.
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Film UsageThe song surfaced in popular culture as it features in the soundtrack for the 2000 film 'Velvet Goldmine' which is an homage to the 70s Glam Rock era.
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ImpactThe single "Jackie" was a significant precursor to Scott Walker's solo career. He dove deeply into Brel's body of work throughout his solo albums, and "Jackie", in particular, set the tone for Walker's approach of crafting deeply emotional and cinematic narratives within his songs.
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CensorshipThe controversial lyrics of "Jackie" not only led to its ban by the BBC, but also forced a change in lyrics when it was performed on the popular UK show "Top of the Pops". The altered words softened the song's reference to drug use and promiscuous behavior.
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TranslationThe English translation used by the Walker Brothers for "Jackie" was co-created by Mort Shuman, an American singer, pianist, songwriter, and actor. Shuman was a successful translator of song lyrics between French and English, including several songs by Jacques Brel.
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Song Release"Jackie" by The Walker Brothers was originally released in November 1967.
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Original Artist"Jackie" is actually a cover song. The original was performed by Jacques Brel, a popular Belgian singer-songwriter.
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Song LyricsThe lyrics of "Jackie" are about a man reminiscing about his wild past while dreaming of future success. The protagonist of the song used to live a rough and adventurous life.
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U.K. SuccessDespite getting banned for its explicit lyrics by the BBC, "Jackie" experienced significant success in the United Kingdom, reaching No. 22 in the singles chart.
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Notable CoverNot just limited to The Walker Brothers, "Jackie" has been covered by various artists including Peter Straker, Marc Almond, and Momus.
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ControversyThe song was banned by the BBC due to its controversial lyrics which were considered indecent during the time of its release.
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English Translation"Jackie" is an English-version of "La chanson de Jacky," translated by Mort Shuman.
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Lead SingerThe lead vocal of "Jackie" by The Walker Brothers was Scott Walker.
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Scott Walker's CareerScott Walker later continued to cover more of Brel's songs in his solo career after The Walker Brothers disbanded.
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Album Appearance"Jackie" was included in the album 'Images' released by The Walker Brothers in 1967.
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ReceptionAlthough the song was controversial for its lyrics, it also enjoyed a good level of public appeal due to its catchy tune and unique subject.
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Citation
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"Jackie Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/249510/The+Walker+Brothers/Jackie>.
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