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I Was Only Joking
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = I Was Only Joking
| cover = IWasOnlyJoking.jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Rod Stewart
| album = Foot Loose & Fancy Free
| B-side = Born Loose
| released = April 1978
| recorded = 1977
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = Soft rock
| length = 4:50 (single version)
| label = Warner Bros.
| writer = Gary Grainger, Rod Stewart
| producer = Tom Dowd
| prev_title = Hot Legs
| prev_year = 1978
| next_title = Ole Ola (Mulher Brasileira)
| next_year = 1978
| misc =
}}
"'I Was Only Joking'" is a song written by Gary Grainger and Rod Stewart released by Stewart in 1978 as the third single on his 1977 album, 'Foot Loose & Fancy Free'. The song performed well, reaching the Top 40 in various countries, including the United Kingdom (No. 5) and the United States (No. 22). In the UK, "I Was Only Joking" charted as part of a double A-side with "Hot Legs".
The song is one of Stewart's most loved songs, containing some of his finest sets of lyrics. A heartfelt tale of youth looked on from a now-mature perspective in regret and sorrow. A long guitar solo features, starting with acoustic then moving to electric. The solo is played by Stewarts frequent collaborator and English guitarist Jim Cregan. It is seen as one of the best guitar solos in classic rock.
Reception
'Billboard' said that Stewart is in "top form interpreting insightful lyrics over a rhythmic, semi-acoustic rock foundation," and 'Billboard' also praised the string and mandolin playing. 'Cash Box' called the song "a gentle ballad about growing and learning" and called the guitar playing "clean."
Chart performance
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
References
Category:Rod Stewart songs
Category:1978 singles
Category:Songs written by Rod Stewart
Category:Songs written by Gary Grainger
Category:1977 songs
Category:Warner Records singles
Category:Music videos directed by Bruce Gowers
Category:Song recordings produced by Tom Dowd
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