The Ballad of Lucy Jordan

Medicine Show, Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, Dr. Hook

About The Ballad of Lucy Jordan

"The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" is a song by American poet and songwriter Shel Silverstein. It was originally recorded by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, with the name spelled "Jordon". The song describes the disillusionment and mental deterioration of a suburban housewife, who climbs to a rooftop "when the laughter grew too loud".

Year:: 2001
: 3:54
: 78 Views

Lyrics currently unavailable…

Dr. Hook

Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show (shortened to Dr. Hook in 1975) is an American rock band, formed in Union City, New Jersey. The band had commercial success in the 1970s with hit singles "Sylvia's Mother", "The Cover of 'Rolling Stone'" (both 1972), "Only Sixteen" (1975), "A Little Bit More" (1976), "Sharing the Night Together" (1978), "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman" (1979), "Better Love Next Time" (1979), and "Sexy Eyes" (1980). In addition to its own material, Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show performed songs written by the poet Shel Silverstein. The band had eight years of hits in the United States. Its music, spanning novelty songs, acoustic ballads, and soft rock, was played on Top 40, easy listening, and country music outlets throughout the Englis… more »

8 fans

Genre »

Rock

Style »

Country Rock, Folk Rock

12 facts about this song

General Information "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" is a song composed and written by American singer-songwriter Shel Silverstein.
Performers Although the song is well-known for Dr. Hook's performance, it has been covered by many artists including Marianne Faithfull, whose version appears in the soundtrack for Thelma & Louise.
Release Details Dr. Hook's version was released in 1974 as an album track on their record "Bankrupt".
Song Content The song tells a story of a housewife named Lucy Jordan who reflects on her life and dreams she'll never fulfill, leading to a mental breakdown.
Interpretation Some interpretations suggest that the song's ending alludes to Lucy's suicide, while others believe she has been taken to a mental institution.
Pop Culture References The song's most notable use in pop culture is in the film "Montenegro" and "Thelma & Louise", creating a resurgence of popularity for the song in the late 20th century.
Song Rankings While Dr. Hook's version didn't reach the music charts, Marianne Faithful's 1979 cover achieved great success going all the way to number 1 in Norway, and reaching top 10 in several other countries including UK.
Original Writer Shel Silverstein, who wrote the song, was a famous poet, cartoonist, and writer for children's books, notably known for titles like "Where The Sidewalk Ends" and "The Giving Tree."
Music Style "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" is characterized by its melancholic tune and deep storytelling narrative, typical of country, folk and pop ballads of the 70s era.
Legacy Despite its somber theme, "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" has been hailed as a timeless classic and continues to be covered by emerging artists.
Differences in Version While Dr. Hook's version is more country or folk-oriented, Marianne Faithfull's version is more melodic with a notable orchestral backing.
Song Connection Barry Reynolds, who later worked with Marianne Faithfull on her album "Broken English," was inspired by Dr. Hook's version of this song.

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"The Ballad of Lucy Jordan Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 4 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8280549/Dr.+Hook/The+Ballad+of+Lucy+Jordan>.

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