Be My Number Two

Joe Jackson

About Be My Number Two

"Be My Number Two" is a song by British singer-songwriter and musician Joe Jackson, released in 1984 as the third and final single from his sixth studio album Body and Soul. It was written by Jackson, and produced by Jackson and David Kershenbaum. "Be My Number Two" reached No. 70 in the UK and remained in the charts for four weeks. Speaking to The A. V. Club in 2011, Jackson said of the song: "I would say it's a bit world-weary or, not world-weary, but a bit, how else to express this? Once bitten, twice shy. It's saying, "Well, let's try again, but it's not going to be like it was the first time." So it's poignant, I think." 


Year:
1984
4:19
505 

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Won't you be my number two
Me and number one are through
There won't be too much to do
Just smile when I feel blue

And there's not much left of me
What you get is what you see
Is it worth the energy
I leave it up to you

And if you got something to say to me
Don't try to play your funny games on me
I know that it's really not fair of me
But my heart's seen too much action

And every time I look at you
You'll be who I want you to
And I'll do what I can do
To make a dream or two come true
If you'll be my
If you be my number two

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Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson (born David Ian Jackson, 11 August 1954) is an English musician and singer-songwriter now living in Berlin, whose five Grammy Award nominations span from 1979 to 2001. He is probably best known for the 1979 hit song and first single "Is She Really Going Out with Him?", which still gets extensive US FM radio airplay; for his 1982 hit, "Steppin' Out"; and for his 1984 success with "You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)". He was popular for his pop/rock and New Wave music early on before moving to more eclectic, though less commercially successful, pop/jazz/classical hybrids. more »

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Written by: JOE JACKSON

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Background
"Be My Number Two" is a single from Joe Jackson's album "Body and Soul" released under the record label A&M in 1984.
Song Genre
This song is primarily categorized under the genre of pop and rock, showcasing Joe Jackson's diverse musicianship and leaning into prominent jazz and soul influences.
Album Success
"Body and Soul" was well-received and peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 and went gold in the US and the UK. The song "Be My Number Two", though it was not the most popular single, contributed to the success of the album.
Song Meaning
The lyrics of "Be My Number Two" hint towards the themes of love, longing, compromise, and the acceptance of being the second choice in a relationship.
Unique Recording Technique
The entire album, including "Be My Number Two", was recorded in a more conventional way, designed to give the effect of the listener being in the middle of a band on a small stage, providing an immersive experience.
Song Legacy
Even though “Be My Number Two” didn’t chart as a single, it has endured as a fan favorite and is often included in Joe Jackson’s tour setlists.
Songwriting
The song exhibited Joe's exceptional songwriting skills with both soft-spoken verses and intense refrains, displaying Jackson’s stylistic diversity in composition.
Record Production/Remaster
In 2016, Spectrum Audio released a remastered version of Joe Jackson’s “Body And Soul” album, including “Be My Number Two”, providing an enhanced audio quality of the song.
Reviews
Critics and listeners praised the depth and raw emotion expressed in "Be My Number Two", considering it one of the standout songs of the album.
Instrumentation
The song showcases an extensive brass section, piano, and subtle percussion, displaying Jackson's propensity for incorporating various musical elements into his songs.
Vocal Performance
Joe Jackson's vocal performance on Be My Number Two is often commended for its sincerity and the ability to convey the emotional content of the lyrics.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Be My Number Two", including Thea Gilmore in her album "Loft Music" released in 2004.

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