Stuck in the Middle with You

Last updated

"Stuck in the Middle with You"
Stuck in the Middle with You.png
Image of Netherlands 7-inch vinyl cover
Single by Stealers Wheel
from the album Stealers Wheel
B-side "Jose"
Released27 April 1973
Recorded Apple (London, England)
Genre
Length3:28
Label A&M
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
Music video
"Stuck in the Middle with You" on YouTube

"Stuck in the Middle with You" (sometimes known as "Stuck in the Middle") is a song written by Scottish musicians Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan and performed by their band Stealers Wheel.

Contents

The band performed the song on the BBC's Top of the Pops in May 1973, and the song charted at No. 8 in the UK Singles Chart. It also became an international hit, reaching No. 6 in the US Billboard Hot 100.

Overview

"Stuck in the Middle with You" was released on Stealers Wheel's 1972 eponymous debut album. [3] Gerry Rafferty provided the lead vocals, with Joe Egan singing harmony. It was produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. [4] Rafferty's lyrics are a dismissive tale of a music industry cocktail party written (e.g., the clowns and jokers would be all the music executives and hangers on), and performed as a parody of Bob Dylan's style (the vocal impression, subject, and styling were so similar, listeners have wrongly attributed the song to Dylan since its release). [5] [6] [7] [8]

The band was surprised by the single's chart success. [5] The single sold over one million copies, eventually peaking at No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, No. 8 in the UK, and No. 2 in Canada. [9] Billboard ranked it as the No. 36 song for 1973.

The band appeared playing the song on BBC's Top of the Pops on 18 May 1973. [10]

Music video

The video portrays the band performing in a corner of a large, empty building. Their performance is intercut with shots of Egan, miming to a vocal track by Rafferty (who had by then left the band), at a small banquet table with a number of garishly dressed and made-up supper guests. These include an actual clown, a bespectacled bowler-hatted gent devouring spaghetti and a lavishly dressed woman eating cream cakes and grapes. The clown, who has difficulty eating a plastic chicken, continually squeezes Egan out whenever he tries to take food from the table. The guitar solo is played on a guitar played flat with an empty beer bottle used as a slide. Eventually, the other band members appear, driving off the strange characters so that Egan can sit down at last. [11]

Personnel

Personnel are taken from the Stealers Wheel website. [12]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Italy (FIMI) [24] Gold50,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [25] 2× Platinum1,200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Cover versions

English singer Louise recorded a cover that was released on 27 August 2001. [26] Her version reached number four on the UK Singles Chart in September 2001. [27]

Lazlo Bane released a cover on the album Guilty Pleasures in 2007. Their version was used in the film Let's Be Cops and included on the soundtrack. [28]

Jeff Healey also performed a cover. [29]

A cover version by Grace Potter was used as the theme song for the Netflix series Grace and Frankie , and appears in full on the Grace and Frankie (Original Television Soundtrack). [30] [31]

The song is used in Quentin Tarantino's 1992 debut film Reservoir Dogs , during the scene in which the character Mr. Blonde (played by Michael Madsen) taunts and tortures bound policeman Marvin Nash (Kirk Baltz) while singing and dancing to the song. [32] In an interview with Rolling Stone , Tarantino recalled: [33]

That was one of those things where I thought [the song] would work really well, and [during] auditions, I told the actors that I wanted them to do the torture scene, and I'm gonna use "Stuck in the Middle With You", but they could pick anything they wanted, they didn't have to use that song. And a couple of people picked another one, but almost everyone came in with "Stuck in the Middle With You", and they were saying that they tried to come up with something else, but that's the one. The first time somebody actually did the torture scene to that song, the guy didn't even have a great audition, but it was like watching the movie. I was thinking, "Oh my God, this is gonna be awesome!"

The song appears in a 2020 TV commercial for IBM. [34]

The song is used as the theme song for SiriusXM Radio's The Michael Smerconish Program [35] and snippets from various cover versions of the song are used as the show's inter-segment "bumper" music.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stealers Wheel</span> Scottish rock band

Stealers Wheel were a Scottish folk rock/rock band formed in 1972 in Paisley, Scotland, by former school friends Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty. Their best-known hit is "Stuck in the Middle with You". The band broke up in 1975 and re-formed briefly in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Dreamin'</span> Single by the Mamas & the Papas

"California Dreamin'" is a song written by John Phillips and Michelle Phillips in 1963 and first recorded by Barry McGuire. The best-known version is by the Mamas & the Papas, who sang backup on the original version and released it as a single in December 1965. The lyrics express the narrator's longing for the warmth of Los Angeles during a cold winter in New York City. It is recorded in the key of C-sharp minor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gerry Rafferty</span> Scottish singer and songwriter (1947–2011)

Gerald Rafferty was a Scottish singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He was a founding member of Stealers Wheel, whose biggest hit was "Stuck in the Middle with You" in 1973. His solo hits in the late 1970s included "Baker Street", "Right Down the Line", and "Night Owl".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Egan (musician)</span> Scottish singer-songwriter (born 1946)

Joseph Egan is a Scottish singer-songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith (band)</span> Musical artist

Smith was an American rock band formed in 1969 in Los Angeles, California. They had a blues-based sound and scored a Top 5 hit in the United States in 1969 with the Burt Bacharach song "Baby It's You", featuring Gayle McCormick on lead vocals. The record sold over one million copies between July and October 1969, out-charted popular versions by the Beatles and the Shirelles, and was awarded a gold record by the Recording Industry Association of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Family Affair (Sly and the Family Stone song)</span> 1971 single by Sly and the Family Stone

"Family Affair" is a 1971 number-one hit single recorded by Sly and the Family Stone for the Epic Records label. Their first new material since the double A-sided single "Thank You "/ "Everybody Is a Star" nearly two years prior, "Family Affair" became the third and final number-one pop single for the band. In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song 57th on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The cover version by John Legend, Joss Stone, and Van Hunt, won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at 49th Annual Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baker Street (song)</span> 1978 single by Gerry Rafferty

"Baker Street" is a song written by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty and issued as a single by him in February 1978. It won the 1979 Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically and reached the top three in the UK, US and elsewhere. The arrangement is known for its saxophone riff.

The Humblebums were a Scottish folk rock band, based in Glasgow. Its members included Billy Connolly, who later became a renowned stand-up comedian and actor; guitarist Tam Harvey; and singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty. The band was active from 1965 to 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby It's You</span> 1961 song by the Shirelles

"Baby It's You" is a song written by Burt Bacharach (music), Luther Dixon, and Mack David (lyrics). It was recorded by the Shirelles and the Beatles and was a hit for both. The highest-charting version of "Baby It's You" was by the band Smith, who took the track to No.5 on the US charts in 1969.

<i>City to City</i> 1978 studio album by Gerry Rafferty

City to City is the second solo studio album by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty, released on 20 January 1978 by United Artists Records. It was Rafferty's first solo release in six years—and first release of any kind since 1975—due to his tenure in the band Stealers Wheel and subsequent legal proceedings which prevented Rafferty from releasing any new solo recordings for the next three years. The album was well received, peaking at No. 1 in the US and going Platinum, as well as reaching No. 6 in the UK Albums Chart and achieving Gold status. "Baker Street", "Right Down the Line" and "Home and Dry" were successfully released as singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will You Love Me Tomorrow</span> 1960 single by the Shirelles

"Will You Love Me Tomorrow", sometimes known as "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", is a song with words by Gerry Goffin and music composed by Carole King. It was recorded in 1960 by the Shirelles at Bell Sound Studios in New York City, and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was the first by an African-American all-girl group to reach number one in the United States. It has since been recorded by many other artists, including a version by co-writer King released on her 1971 album Tapestry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soul Man (song)</span> 1967 hit single

"Soul Man" is a 1967 song written and composed by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, first successful as a number 2 hit single by Atlantic Records soul duo Sam & Dave, which consisted of Samuel "Sam" Moore and David "Dave" Prater. In 2019, "Soul Man" was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry as "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress. It was No. 463 in "Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2010 and No. 458 in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Right Down the Line</span> 1978 song performed by Gerry Rafferty

"Right Down the Line" is a song written and recorded by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty. Released as a single in July 1978, it reached #12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on Cash Box. It was the third release from Rafferty's City to City LP as the follow-up to his first major hit as a solo artist, "Baker Street".

<i>Can I Have My Money Back?</i> 1971 studio album by Gerry Rafferty

Can I Have My Money Back? is the first solo album by Gerry Rafferty. The distinctive cover design was by John Patrick Byrne and was the start of a long working relationship between Rafferty and the playwright. The LP was well received, but performed poorly in charts and sales, in part because Rafferty had just left a well known band, The Humblebums. The album also saw Joe Egan come on board, and the pair formed Stealers Wheel shortly afterwards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rab Noakes</span> Scottish musician (1947–2022)

Robert Ogilvie Noakes was a Scottish singer-songwriter. He was at the forefront of Scottish folk music for over 50 years and recorded over 19 studio albums. He toured folk clubs and often performed at the Glasgow music festival Celtic Connections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How 'Bout Us (song)</span> 1981 single by Champaign

"How 'Bout Us" is the most successful single released by R&B music group Champaign. Composed by band keyboardist Dana Walden and originally released on the band's debut album How 'Bout Us, the title track peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. A romantic ballad, the song was released on Valentine's Day, 1981.

<i>Stealers Wheel</i> (album) 1972 studio album by Stealers Wheel

Stealers Wheel is the debut studio album by Scottish folk rock band Stealers Wheel. It was released on 17 November 1972 by A&M Records. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching No. 50 in the US Billboard 200 album chart, with their hit single "Stuck in the Middle with You" coming from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reelin' and Rockin'</span> 1957 song by Chuck Berry

"Reelin' and Rockin'" is a song written and recorded by Chuck Berry. It was originally recorded in 1957 and released as the B-side of "Sweet Little Sixteen".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gerry Rafferty discography</span>

This is the discography of Scottish rock singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty. He is best known for his solo hits "Baker Street", "Right Down the Line" and "Night Owl", as well as "Stuck in the Middle with You", recorded with the band Stealers Wheel.

Paul Pilnick was an English guitarist. During the 1960s/1970s, he played with Lee Curtis and the All-Stars, The Big Three, and Stealers Wheel.

References

  1. ↑ Breihan, Tom (22 September 2020). "The Number Ones Bonus Tracks: Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street". Stereogum . Retrieved 11 November 2023. Today, we remember Stealers Wheel for "Stuck In The Middle With You," the jaunty, dazed folk-rock jam...
  2. ↑ Mojo Collection: The Ultimate Music Companion; Brought to You by the Makers of Mojo Magazine. Canongate. 2007. pp. 399–. ISBN   978-1-84195-973-3.
  3. ↑ "Stealers Wheel – Stealers Wheel | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
  4. ↑ Emerson, Ken (2005). Always Magic in the Air: The Bomp and Brilliance of the Brill Building Era . ISBN   9780670034567.
  5. 1 2 Chilton, Martin (5 January 2011). "Gerry Rafferty and his songs of alienation". Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 8 January 2011.
  6. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2003). Top Pop Singles 1955–2002 (1st ed.). Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. p.  675. ISBN   0-89820-155-1.
  7. ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 527. ISBN   1-904994-10-5.
  8. ↑ "Stealers Wheel sleeve image" (JPG). Strawbsweb.co.uk. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  9. 1 2 Canada, Library and Archives (17 July 2013). "Image : RPM Weekly". Bac-lac.gc.ca. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  10. ↑ "Top Of The Pops 1973". Hardprog.pagesperso-orange.fr. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
  11. ↑ Stuck In The Middle With You // Stealers Wheel on YouTube
  12. ↑ "Stealers Wheel". www.stealerswheel.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  13. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 292. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  14. ↑ "Stealers Wheel – Stuck In The Middle With You" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  15. ↑ "Stuck In the Middle with You". Flavour of New Zealand. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  16. ↑ "SA Charts 1965 – March 1989" . Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  17. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Billboard's Top Pop Singles 1955–2002. ISBN   978-0898201550.
  18. ↑ "Adult Contemporary Music Chart – Billboard". Billboard.com. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  19. ↑ "Cash Box Top 100 5/26/73". Tropicalglen.com. Archived from the original on 9 June 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  20. ↑ "Image : RPM Weekly". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 26 December 2017.
  21. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1971". Dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  22. ↑ "Top 100 Hits of 1973/Top 100 Songs of 1973". Musicoutfitters.com. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  23. ↑ "Cash Box YE Pop Singles – 1973". Tropicalglen.com. Archived from the original on 15 July 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  24. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Stealers Wheel – Stuck in the Middle with You" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  25. ↑ "British single certifications – Stealers Wheel – Stuck in the Middle with You". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  26. ↑ "New Releases – For Week Starting August 27, 2001: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 25 August 2001. p. 31. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  27. ↑ Betts, Graham (2004). Complete UK Hit Singles 1952–2004 (1st ed.). London: Collins. p. 465. ISBN   0-00-717931-6.
  28. ↑ "Let's Be Cops Soundtrack Information" . Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  29. ↑ Healey, Jeff (6 June 2008). "The Jeff Healey Band "Stuck In The Middle with You"". YouTube .
  30. ↑ Fraley, Jason (7 May 2021). "Grace Potter is ready to rock the Frederick Fairgrounds on Mother's Day". WTOP.
  31. ↑ Video on YouTube
  32. ↑ Reynolds, Simon (7 January 2013). "Quentin Tarantino's music moments: 'Stuck in the Middle', David Bowie". Digital Spy. National Magazine Company Ltd. Retrieved 7 April 2014. Alongside the bloody violence and salty dialog, Quentin Tarantino movies are often marked by ingenious juxtaposition of image and sound. Ever since Michael Madsen's razor-wielding Mr. Blonde danced to 'Stuck in the Middle With You' in Reservoir Dogs, the filmmaker has become synonymous with memorable musical montages.
  33. ↑ Halperin, Shirley (21 August 2009). "Quentin Tarantino on Five Key Soundtrack Picks, From "Reservoir Dogs" to "Inglourious Basterds"". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 7 April 2014. From Pulp Fiction to Kill Bill to his latest, Inglourious Basterds (opening this weekend), Quentin Tarantino matches scene with song like a sommelier pairs just the right bottle of wine with a nice steak: perfectly. ~. So how does a cut make it from his turntable to the big screen? The revered director filled us in on his method through five key movie music cues.
  34. ↑ "IBM Cloud Super Bowl 2020 TV Commercial, 'The Most Flexible Cloud' Song by Stealers Wheel" (Ad ID: 2661332). iSpot.tv.
  35. ↑ Kachejian, Brian (29 October 2020). "Top 10 Stealers Wheel songs". ClassicRockHistory.com. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.