Dr Hook – Cover Of The Rolling Stone (1972)

About the song

“Cover of the Rolling Stone,” performed by the iconic band Dr. Hook, is a humorous and satirical song that has become a classic since its release. Featured on their 1972 album “Sloppy Seconds,” this track showcases Dr. Hook’s trademark wit and irreverent style.

Written by Shel Silverstein, the renowned poet, songwriter, and author, “Cover of the Rolling Stone” is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the desire for fame and recognition in the music industry. The lyrics humorously depict the band’s aspirations to appear on the cover of the prestigious Rolling Stone magazine, highlighting the absurdity and fickleness of celebrity culture.

Despite its playful tone, “Cover of the Rolling Stone” became a commercial success for Dr. Hook. It reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and earned the band widespread recognition. The song’s catchy melody and witty lyrics resonated with audiences, making it a standout track on the album.

For many older listeners, “Cover of the Rolling Stone” is a nostalgic reminder of the early 1970s, a time when Dr. Hook’s music was synonymous with rebelliousness and counterculture. The song’s irreverent humor and catchy chorus made it a favorite among fans, solidifying Dr. Hook’s reputation as a unique and memorable act.

The album “Sloppy Seconds” further cemented Dr. Hook’s status as a band with a distinct voice and style. Known for their eclectic mix of rock, pop, and country influences, the band continued to push boundaries and challenge conventions in their music.

Today, “Cover of the Rolling Stone” remains a beloved classic, frequently played on oldies radio stations and enjoyed by fans of all ages. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Dr. Hook’s enduring appeal and the timeless quality of their music.

Dr. Hook’s “Cover of the Rolling Stone” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a satirical commentary on fame, ambition, and the absurdities of the music industry. Its clever lyrics and infectious melody ensure that it will continue to be celebrated and appreciated for generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

Hahaha, I don’t believe it
Da, da, ah, ah don’t touch me
Hey ray, hey sugar, tell them who we are
Well, we’re big rock singers
We got golden fingers
And we’re loved everywhere we go (that sounds like us)
We sing about beauty and we sing about truth
At ten thousand dollars a show (right)
We take all kinds of pills that give us all kind of thrills
But the thrill we’ve never known
Is the thrill that’ll getcha when you get your picture
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone
wanna see my picture on the cover
(Stone) wanna buy five copies for my mother (yes)
(Stone) wanna see my smilin’ face
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone (that’s a very, very good idea)
I got a freaky ol’ lady, name of Cocaine Katy
Who embroiders on my jeans
I got my poor ol’ grey-haired daddy
Drivin’ my limousine
Now it’s all designed to blow our minds
But our minds won’t really be blown
Like the blow that’ll getcha when you get your picture
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone
wanna see our pictures on the cover
(Stone) wanna buy five copies for our mothers (yeah)
(Stone) wanna see my smilin face
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone
Hey, I know how (sure enough)
Rock and roll
Ah, that’s beautiful
We got a lot of little teenage blue-eyed groupies
Who do anything we say
We got a genuine Indian guru
He’s teaching us a better way
We got all the friends that money can buy
So we never have to be alone
And we keep gettin’ richer but we can’t get our picture
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone
wanna see my picture on the cover
(Stone) wanna buy five copies for my mother (I want one)
(Stone) wanna see my smilin’ face
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone
On the cover of the Rollin’
(Stone) gonna see my picture on the cover
“I don’t know why we ain’t on the cover, baby”
(Stone) wanna buy five copies for my mother
“We’re beautiful fellas”
(Stone) wanna see my smilin’ face
“I ain’t kiddin’ ya, oh, we would make a beautiful cover”
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone
“A fresh shot, right up front, man”
“I can see it now, we’ll be on the front”
“Smilin’, man”
“Aah, beautiful”