His first album featured a recording of the Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends", which brought him to near-instant stardom. The song reached number one in the UK in 1968, became a staple of his many live shows (Woodstock and the Isle of Wight in 1969, the Party at the Palace in 2002) and was also known as the theme song for the late 1980s American TV series The Wonder Years. He continued his success with his second album, which included a second Beatles song: "She Came In Through the Bathroom Window". A hastily thrown together 1970 US tour led to the live double-album Mad Dogs & Englishmen, which featured an all-star band organized by Leon Russell. His 1974 recording of "You Are So Beautiful" reached number five in the US, and became his signature song. Cocker's best selling song was the US number one "Up Where We Belong", a duet with Jennifer Warnes that earned a 1983 Grammy Award. He released a total of 22 studio albums over a 43-year recording career.
In 1993, Cocker was nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Male. He was awarded a bronze Sheffield Legends plaque in his hometown in 2007, and received an OBE the following year for services to music. Cocker was ranked number 97 on Rolling Stone's 100 greatest singers list.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Cocker
Studio albums
With a Little Help from My Friends (1969)
Joe Cocker! (1969)
Joe Cocker (1972/EU: 1973)
I Can Stand a Little Rain (1974)
Jamaica Say You Will (1975)
Stingray (1976)
Luxury You Can Afford (1978)
Sheffield Steel (1982)
Civilized Man (1984)
Cocker (1986)
Unchain My Heart (1987)
One Night of Sin (1989)
Night Calls (1991/US: 1992)
Have a Little Faith (1994)
Organic (1996)
Across from Midnight (1997)
No Ordinary World (1999/US: 2000)
Respect Yourself (2002)
Heart & Soul (2004/US: 2005)
Hymn for My Soul (2007/US: 2008)
Hard Knocks (2010/US: 2012)
Fire It Up (2012)
Sticks And Stones
Joe Cocker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why don't they let us be
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But talk don't bother me
(No) People talking, trying to break us up
When they know that I love you so
So I don't care what the people might say
I've been abused (I've been abused)
In my heart (I've been accused)
I've been accused (I've been accused)
I've been rebuked and I've been stomped
(Well) People talking, trying to break us up
They're scandalizing my name
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
They'll say anything to make me shamed
I've been abused (I've been abused)
In my heart (I've been accused)
I've been accused (I've been accused)
I've been rebuked and I've been stomped
(Well) People talking, trying to break us up
They're scandalizing my name
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
They'll say anything to make me shamed
In the song "Sticks and Stones" by Joe Cocker, the lyrics are about the power of words and how they can affect a relationship. The first verse talks about people trying to break up the singer's relationship by talking behind their back. The singer is saying that these words can't hurt them and won't make them break up. He repeats this sentiment in the second verse, stating that regardless of what people say, he will never let go of the one he loves.
The chorus then delves into the effect of these words on the singer. He admits that he has been accused and abused, but the words do not affect him. The final verse goes back to people talking behind his back and how they are trying to scandalize his name. The singer again admits he has been hurt but reiterates that these words won't make him feel bad or ashamed.
The song is a message of resilience and standing firm in the face of adversity. It shows that words may sting, but they can't actually hurt you unless you let them. Stick to your convictions and hold onto the things you love, no matter what others may say.
Line by Line Meaning
People talking, trying to break us up
No matter what people say, they can't come between us.
Why don't they let us be
I wish people would just leave us alone and let us be happy together.
Sticks and stones may break my bones
Physical pain caused by others cannot compare to the pain of hearing hurtful words from people who claim to care about me.
But talk don't bother me
Although words can be hurtful, I won't let others' opinions affect my feelings for you.
When they know that I love you so
People who speak negatively about us must know that my love for you is unwavering.
So I don't care what the people might say
I refuse to let anyone's words or actions shake my love for you.
I'm never going to let you go
Our love is strong enough to withstand any outside pressures. I will never leave you.
I've been abused (I've been abused)
People have hurt me with their words and actions in the past.
In my heart (I've been accused)
I have been unfairly blamed for things I did not do or feel.
I've been accused (I've been accused)
People have judged me without knowing the whole story.
I've been rebuked and I've been stomped
I have been criticized and put down repeatedly.
They're scandalizing my name
People are spreading false rumors and gossip about me.
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
Others will use hurtful words to try to break down my confidence and self-esteem.
They'll say anything to make me shamed
People will use any means necessary to try to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd
Written by: TITUS TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind