Best known for his wry humor, Snider has been a fixture on the Americana, alt-country, and folk scene since his debut on MCA, entitled Songs for the Daily Planet, named for the bar where Snider used to play regularly in Memphis. On that album were the minor hits "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues", a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play", and "Alright Guy", which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album.
He released two more albums for MCA, Step Right Up and Viva Satellite, the latter often sparking colorful debate amongst fans for its comparisons to Tom Petty. He moved to John Prine's Oh Boy Records where he made Happy to Be Here, New Connection, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and East Nashville Skyline. That Was Me: The Best of Todd Snider 1994–1998 was released on the Hip-O label in August 2005.
Todd Snider's next studio album, The Devil You Know, was released in August 2006. It marked Snider's return to a major label, as he is now recording for New Door Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records.
The Devil You Know was named to several critics' year-end "best" lists, including a No. 33 ranking in Rolling Stone magazine's top 50 albums of the year, a No. 25 ranking by No Depression magazine, and No. 14 by Blender magazine.
Snider's songs "Late Last Night" and "I Believe You" have been recorded by the Oklahoma country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed. He co-wrote the song "Barbie Doll" with country star Jack Ingram.
Snider's new album, Peace Queer, is set to be released on October 14th, 2008, and will be available as a free download from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 at http://www.toddsnider.net/store/product/1/Peace-Queer .
The Joker
Todd Snider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some people call me the space cowboy
Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me Maurice
Because I speak of the pompitous of love.
People talk about me, baby
Don't you worry, baby, don't worry
Because I'm right here, right here, right here, right here at home.
I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm a midnight toker
I play my music in the sun
I'm a picker, I'm a grinner, I'm a lover and I'm a sinner
I sure don't want to hurt no one.
You're the cutest thing that I ever did see
I really love your peaches, want to shake your tree
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
Oo-ee baby, I'll sure show you a good time.
I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm a midnight toker
I play my music in the sun
I'm a picker, I'm a grinner, I'm a lover and I'm a sinner
I sure don't want to hurt no one, yeah.
Some people call me the space cowboy
Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me Maurice
Because I speak of the pompitous of love.
You're the cutest thing that I ever did see
I really love your peaches, want to shake your tree
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
Oh baby, I'll sure show you a good time.
"The Joker" by Todd Snider is a cover of Steve Miller Band's original song. It has playful and fun lyrics with a mix of different personas and characteristics, exploring the different ways people perceive and call him. The first verse goes "Some people call me the space cowboy, some call me the gangster of love, some people call me Maurice because I speak of the pompitous of love." The line "pompitous of love" is a made-up term that has been a matter of debate among fans for years, but it seems that it simply refers to the essence of love and its mystique.
The song then goes on to talk about how people talk about him and how some accuse him of doing wrong. But he assures his lover not to worry because he is right there at home. The chorus lines are iconic, "I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm a midnight toker, I sure don't want to hurt no one." The playful lyrics continue with the verse, "You're the cutest thing that I ever did see, I really love your peaches, want to shake your tree." The song ends with the chorus — a repetition of the opening verse, incorporating all three personas, including Maurice, the space cowboy, and the gangster of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people call me the space cowboy
I am someone who others might refer to as a space cowboy.
Some call me the gangster of love
In addition to the space cowboy moniker, some may refer to me as the gangster of love.
Some people call me Maurice
Finally, I am sometimes called by the name Maurice as well.
Because I speak of the pompitous of love.
This is all due to the fact that I like to talk about something known as the pompitous of love.
People talk about me, baby
There are those who speak about me, darling.
Say I'm doin' you wrong, doin' you wrong
These people might be saying that I am treating you poorly or improperly.
Don't you worry, baby, don't worry
However, there's no need for you to fret, my dear.
Because I'm right here, right here, right here, right here at home.
For you see, I am currently in your presence, right at home with you.
I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm a midnight toker
I happen to be someone who likes to joke around, smoke, and stay awake until the wee hours of the morning.
I play my music in the sun
Additionally, I enjoy playing music while in the sun's light.
I'm a picker, I'm a grinner, I'm a lover and I'm a sinner
Furthermore, I am characterized as being someone who plays music (picks), smiles frequently (grins), loves deeply, and makes mistakes (sins).
I sure don't want to hurt no one.
Despite my imperfections, I really don't want to cause any harm to others.
You're the cutest thing that I ever did see
I want to make it known that you are the sweetest and most adorable thing I have ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes upon.
I really love your peaches, want to shake your tree
In fact, I'm so fond of you that I want to have some fun with you and your body.
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
This would preferably entail us being affectionate and loving towards one another on a constant basis.
Oo-ee baby, I'll sure show you a good time.
So just leave it up to me, my dear, and I'll treat you to memories that you will never forget.
Some people call me the space cowboy
As previously mentioned, there are those who refer to me as a space cowboy.
Some call me the gangster of love
Additionally, some may label me the gangster of love.
Some people call me Maurice
Finally, some individuals address me as Maurice.
Because I speak of the pompitous of love.
All of these names and associations stem from my tendency to speak about and extol the pompitous of love.
Oh baby, I'll sure show you a good time.
And once again, I vow to be the one to make sure that you experience nothing but pure bliss and enjoyment.
Contributed by Jason W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.