About the song
In the realm of country-rock music, few songs have managed to captivate audiences quite like “Queen of Hearts”. Written by composer DeVito, this iconic tune has been making waves in the music industry since its inception. With its highest-profile rendition by country-rock singer Juice Newton in 1981, “Queen of Hearts” has become an unforgettable classic, weaving its way into the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
The song’s journey began with an appearance on Rodney Crowell’s 1980 album “But What Will the Neighbors Think”, where DeVito showcased his guitar skills. However, it was Newton’s version that truly brought “Queen of Hearts” to the forefront. Newton, who had been performing the song live for about a year, convinced producer Richard Landis to include it on her 1981 album “Juice”. Despite initial reservations, Landis eventually agreed, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Newton’s rendition of “Queen of Hearts” not only became her favorite cut on the album but also reached an impressive number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for two weeks in September 1981. The song’s massive success led to a Gold certification for domestic sales of one million units, cementing its place in music history.
The song’s impact didn’t stop there. “Queen of Hearts” also gave Newton her second huge international hit, with top 10 chart positions in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and Switzerland. The song’s moderate success in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands further solidified its global appeal. Newton’s recording of the song earned her a 1982 Grammy nomination for Best Female Vocalist in the Country and Western category, with “Queen of Hearts” having been a number 14 country hit.
In the years that followed, “Queen of Hearts” continued to make appearances in various forms of media. The song was featured in Oliver Stone’s 1986 film “Salvador” and the 1997 film “Boogie Nights”. It also appeared as source music in the first episode of the 2013 television series “The Americans”, set during the first Reagan administration. The song’s influence extended to the world of video games, with its inclusion in the 2004 game “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas”. More recently, “Queen of Hearts” was featured in the 2017 “South Park” episode “Splatty Tomato” and the fourth episode of HBO’s “Love & Death” miniseries.
In 2014, Rolling Stone ranked Newton’s version of “Queen of Hearts” number 92 on its list of the 100 greatest country songs of all time, a testament to the song’s enduring legacy. Newton herself re-recorded the song for her 1998 album “The Trouble With Angels”, introducing the classic to a new generation of music fans.
As we look back on the remarkable journey of “Queen of Hearts”, it’s clear that this country-rock classic has left an indelible mark on the music world. With its timeless tale of heartache and longing, “Queen of Hearts” continues to captivate audiences, ensuring its place as one of the most beloved songs of all time.
Video
Lyrics
Midnight, and I’m a-waitin’ on the twelve-oh-five
Hopin’ it’ll take me just a little farther down the line
Moonlight, you’re just a heartache in disguise
Won’t you keep my heart from breakin’
If it’s only for a very short time?
Playin’ with the Queen of Hearts
Knowin’ it ain’t really smart
The Joker ain’t the only fool
Who’ll do anythin’ for you
Layin’ out another lie
Thinkin’ ’bout a life of crime
‘Cause that’s what I’ll have to do
To keep me away from you
Honey, you know it makes you mad
Why is everybody tellin’ everybody what you have done?
Baby, I know it makes you sad
But when they’re handin’ out the heartaches
You know you got to have you some
Playin’ with the Queen of Hearts
Knowin’ it ain’t really smart
The Joker ain’t the only fool
Who’ll do anythin’ for you
Layin’ out another lie
Thinkin’ ’bout a life of crime
‘Cause that’s what I’ll have to do
To keep me away from you
Lovers, I know you’ve had a few
But hide your heart beneath the covers
And tell ’em they’re the only one
And others, they know just what I’m goin’ through
And it’s a-hard to be a lover
When you say you’re only in it for fun
Playin’ with the Queen of Hearts
Knowin’ it ain’t really smart
The Joker ain’t the only fool
Who’ll do anythin’ for you
Playin’ with the Queen of Hearts
And knowin’ it ain’t really smart
The Joker ain’t the only fool
Who’ll do anythin’ for you
Layin’ out another lie
Thinkin’ ’bout a life of crime
‘Cause that’s what I’ll have to do
To keep me away from you
Playin’ with the Queen of Hearts
Playin’ with the Queen of Hearts
Playin’ with the Queen of Hearts
Playin’ with the Queen of Hearts