Ivan Joseph Jones, also known as "Boogaloo Joe", (born 1 November 1940) is … Read Full Bio ↴Ivan Joseph Jones, also known as "Boogaloo Joe", (born 1 November 1940) is a psychedelic jazz guitarist. He made his solo debut as "Joe Jones" on Prestige Records in 1967, but earned the name "Boogaloo Joe" following a 1969 record of that title. The demeaning name was meant to distinguish him from the other 'Jo(e) Joness in music: Papa Jo, Philly Joe, and the Joe of the Fluxus movement. Later, he'd turn to billing himself as Ivan "Boogaloo Joe" Jones.

Jones recorded several albums in a soul-jazz vein for Prestige in the period from 1966 to 1978). In addition to leading his own group for recording purposes, Ivan Jones recorded with Groove Holmes, Houston Person, Rusty Bryant, Harold Mabern, Wild Bill Davis and, most notably, Willis Jackson. Rusty Bryant, Charles Earland, and Bernard Purdie are among the sidemen also featured on Boogaloo's albums.

His sound and style clearly derived from the blues. But it was a solid understanding of rock that Jones brought to his style of jazz. He was influenced most by Tal Farlow and Billy Butler, but gravitated toward the rhythm and blues jazz Butler was popularizing with organist Bill Doggett's popular group.

Games
Ivan 'Boogaloo Joe' Jones Lyrics

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Waiting for you right outside
The place we first locked eyes
(Oh)

I feel like we're both losing sights
We don't get to do this twice
And I wonder

[Chorus]
Will you care
When I'm gone
And it's time
And i've really had enough
And i'm sorry for the truble
That's been costing us so much
Splitting apart
It's getting harder to tell what you want
I'm so bored with these games
(Games)
Games
(Games)

The last time that I left these steps
Was after our first kiss
I wonder why you haven't shown
I'll be leaving here alone
And i wonder

[Chorus]
Will you care
When I'm gone
And It's time
And I've really had enough
And I'm sorry for the truble
That's been costing us so much
Splitting apart
It's getting harder to tell what you want
So bored with these games
(Games)

Games
(Games)

(So bored)
(Splitting apart it's getting hard to tell what you want)
(So bored wit these games)

Splitting apart it's getting harder to tell what you want
So Bored with these

I'm left in the dark
Never thought you'd be breaking my heart
And I'm so bored with these games
(Games)
Games
(Games)

[Chorus]
Will you care
When I'm gone
And it's time
And i've really had enough
And i'm sorry for the truble
That's been costing us so much
Splitting apart
It's getting harder to tell what you want
So bored with these games
(Games)
Games
(Games)
Games
(Games)
Woaah Games
(Games)
Woooaaah Yeahyeah Games

(Games)
Games

Overall Meaning

The song "Games" by Ivan "Boogaloo Joe" Jones is about a relationship that is falling apart due to games being played by the two partners. The song starts with the singer waiting for his partner outside the place where they first met. He feels like they are both losing sight of what they had and that they don't get a second chance to fix it. He wonders if his partner will care once he's gone and apologizes for the trouble that their games have caused. The chorus repeats the question of whether his partner will care and emphasizes how bored he is with the games.

The second verse talks about how the last time he left these steps, it was after their first kiss. He wonders why his partner isn't showing up and realizes that he will be leaving alone. The bridge repeats again how the relationship is splitting apart and how it's getting harder to tell what his partner wants. The song ends with the singer feeling left in the dark and surprised that his heart is being broken. The chorus repeats one final time.

Overall, the lyrics of "Games" show the frustration and sadness of a relationship falling apart due to both partners playing games. The singer is tired of the situation and wants to know if his partner will care once he's gone.

Line by Line Meaning

Waiting for you right outside
I am outside waiting for you

The place we first locked eyes
The place where we first met and had eye contact

I feel like we're both losing sights
I feel like we are not on the same page anymore

We don't get to do this twice
We only have one chance to make this work

And I wonder
I am curious about what's on your mind

Will you care
Will you be concerned

When I'm gone
When I am no longer here

And it's time
When it is time for me to leave

And I've really had enough
When I have reached my limit

And I'm sorry for the trouble
I apologize for any issues caused

That's been costing us so much
The problems have been impacting our relationship negatively