Shannon followed up with "Hats Off to Larry", another big hit, and the less popular "So Long, Baby", another song of breakup bitterness. "Little Town Flirt", released in 1962 reached #12 in 1963 as did the album of the same name. After these hits, Shannon was unable to keep his momentum in the US, but became a sensation in England. In 1963, he became the first American artist to record a cover version of a Beatles song with "From Me to You".
Shannon returned to the charts in 1964 with "Handy Man", "Do You Wanna Dance", "Keep Searchin'", and "Stranger in Town" (1965), with the latter two songs themed about flight from pursuit in a dangerous world. A 1966 chart offering was Shannon's cover of the Rolling Stones' "Under My Thumb". In the late 1960s after a dry spell of hits, he turned to production. In 1969 he discovered a group called Smith and arranged their hit "Baby It's You". He then produced his friend Brian Hyland's million seller "Gypsy Woman" in 1970.
In the 1970s, Shannon's career slowed down greatly; the hates and fears he had turned into art in his earlier songs were turning into full-blown mental illness, and he was self-medicating with alcohol. He finally put the bottle down in 1978, and he was able to return to mainstream audiences with "Sea of Love" in the early 1980s from the album "Drop Down And Get Me" produced by Tom Petty.
In December, 1983, Shannon served as Grand Marshal of the Coopersville, Michigan Christmas parade and also performed a benefit concert at Coopersville High School.
Shannon enjoyed a resurgence in audience interest after re-recording a portion of his song "Runaway" (with new lyrics) as the theme for the television program Crime Story. Producer Michael Mann felt that this was one of the definitive songs of the era in which the program was set. Some fans of the show prefer the sharper lyrics ("Some live, and others die") as an alternate to the original words.
On 8 February 1990, while working on a comeback album with Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, Shannon fatally shot himself in the head with a .22 calibre rifle. His wife thought his death might have been related to his recent use of the prescription drug Prozac. The album was released after his death and titled "Rock On!".
Shannon is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
The Joker Went Wild
Del Shannon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I thought always a king
'Cause I just captured someone's heart
But may I explain
I treated her mean
And then my kingdom fell apart
I found I couldn't sleep at night
And when I found her gone from sight
Became a joker
The joker went wild
And he couldn't smile
Because he had lost everything
The joker went wild
And he couldn't smile
He felt no longer like a king
Some friendly advice,
Treat her heart nice
Or she won't stay for
Very long if at all
If you think you're a king
And you know everything
Just remember the joker
Or you'll fall from her arms
You'll find you cannot sleep at night
And when you find her gone from sight
You'll find you loved her
Become a joker
The joker went wild
And he couldn't smile
Because he had lost everything
The joker went wild
And he couldn't smile
The lyrics of Del Shannon's "The Joker Went Wild" tell a cautionary tale about the consequences of mistreating your significant other. The singer begins by boasting about his past status as a king, certain that he had won the heart of the woman he loved. But, as he later admits, he treated her poorly and caused their relationship to crumble. The singer's world falls apart as he realizes that his actions have cost him the woman he loved and everything else he held dear. He becomes the titular joker - a man who has lost everything and can no longer find joy or happiness. The song ends with a warning to other men to treat their partners with respect or suffer a similar fate.
Through its use of vivid metaphors and memorable imagery, "The Joker Went Wild" offers a powerful message about the importance of treating your loved ones well. The singer compares himself to a king early in the song, creating a sense of bravado and invincibility that is shattered by the end. The repeated refrain of "the joker went wild" underscores the devastating effects of his behavior, while the final lines serve as a warning to others. Overall, the song communicates a universal truth about the importance of mutual respect and love in any relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I was a king
Previously, I had a high status and felt powerful
I thought always a king
I believed myself to always be a king, no matter what
'Cause I just captured someone's heart
Because I won the affection of someone special to me
But may I explain
Allow me to clarify further
I treated her mean
Unfortunately, I was unkind to her
And then my kingdom fell apart
As a result, my life became chaotic and disordered
I found I couldn't sleep at night
I was experiencing insomnia due to my turmoil
And when I found her gone from sight
Upon realizing that she had left me
Found out I loved her
I came to understand that I truly loved her
Became a joker
My mood shifted dramatically and I became a different person
The joker went wild
That different person I became, known as the joker, was out of control
And he couldn't smile
He was miserable and unable to find happiness
Because he had lost everything
Due to my behavior, I had lost everything dear to me
He felt no longer like a king
I no longer had the sense of power and status that I once held
Some friendly advice,
Here's some advice to consider
Treat her heart nice
Show her kindness and respect
Or she won't stay for
Otherwise, she won't remain in your life for very long
Very long if at all
She may not stay at all
If you think you're a king
If you believe you're untouchable
And you know everything
If you're convinced that you have all the answers
Just remember the joker
Keep in mind the consequences of your actions
Or you'll fall from her arms
Or else, you'll lose her affection completely
Writer(s): Robert L. Russell
Contributed by Isaiah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
joe gongora
A good song Del Shannon loved doing remakes . He certainly does a good job w/this one . He covered other people's material & made it his own . Dispite being underrated the man always pressed forward .
Timothy Flyte
Great version of a great song !!!! I love Del's music .
himycatisdead
What a truly talented singer...............a real shame that he is gone. His music will live on forever...Thanks Del.
shelley Ganz
LOved Del, R. I. P.
Joan Trezza
Rip Del..
Chaz Hernandez
I would always go to a lot of shows back then I worked in the business and I had the opportunity to talk to Del after one of his shows one week later he was dead. He was so nice to be honest I was depressed after that what a talent!
James Anderson
Good to hear, he was my great uncle but I never knew him really. He carries the family curse of depression and longing for better. Its not a very loving family overall.
Cyrus Ter
Enjoyed this in my 45rpm single black disc in a portable record in the 60's.This is the prominent version in Asia at that time and we did'nt know that this is a cover from the original.Still my favorite and missing Del Shannon.A time mark for being nostalgic.
Joe Nania
YOU KNOW IT IT DEL SHANNON - WHEN HE SINGS - VERY RECOGNIZABLE VOICE - GOD BLESS DEL SHANNON !
Lillian Lemister
Every bit as good as Brian’s version. Love them both. RIP Del……