About the song
Dr. Hook, a band synonymous with the 1970s soft rock scene, delivered a classic with their track “Cover of the Rolling Stone.” This song, released in 1972, is a poignant reflection on fame, its fleeting nature, and the toll it can take on an individual.
The title itself is a clever play on words, referring to the iconic rock magazine, Rolling Stone, which often featured cover stories about famous musicians. However, Dr. Hook’s interpretation is more introspective, as it suggests that even those who grace the magazine’s cover can feel like outsiders or unfulfilled.
The song’s narrative unfolds through the perspective of a musician who has achieved significant success but finds themselves grappling with feelings of isolation and disillusionment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the pressures and expectations that come with fame, highlighting the stark contrast between the glamorous public image and the often-lonely private life.
Musically, “Cover of the Rolling Stone” is a well-crafted blend of soft rock and folk, showcasing Dr. Hook’s ability to create catchy melodies while conveying heartfelt emotions. The acoustic guitar provides a warm and intimate backdrop, while the band’s harmonies add depth and richness to the sound.
In conclusion, “Cover of the Rolling Stone” is a timeless piece that resonates with listeners of all ages. Dr. Hook’s insightful lyrics and evocative music offer a glimpse into the complexities of fame and the human experience. It’s a song that invites reflection and contemplation, reminding us that even those who seem to have it all can struggle with the weight of their own success.
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Lyrics
I don’t believe it
Da, da, ah, oh, don’t touch me
Hey Ray, hey Sugar, tell them who we are
Well, we’re big rock singers, we got golden fingers and we’re loved everywhere we go (that sounds like us)
We sing about beauty and we sing about truth at 10, 000 dollars a show (right)
We take all kinda pills that give us all kinda thrills but the thrill we’ve never known
Is the thrill that’ll get ya when you get your picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone
wanna see my picture on the cover
(Stone) wanna buy five copies for my mother (yes)
(Stone) wanna see my smiling face
On the cover of the Rolling Stone (that’s a very, very good idea)
I got a freaky ol’ lady name a cocaine Katy who embroideries on my jeans
I got my poor ol’ grey-haired daddy driving my limousine
Now it’s all designed to blow our minds but our minds won’t really be blown
Like the blow that’ll get ya when you get your picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone
wanna see our pictures on the cover
(Stone) wanna buy five copies for our mothers (yeah)
(Stone) wanna see my smiling face
On the cover of the Rolling Stone
Hey, I know how
Rock and roll
Oh, that’s beautiful
We got a lotta little teenage blue-eyed groupies who’d do anything we say
We got a genuine Indian guru, he’s teaching us a better way
We got all the friends that money can buy, so we never have to be alone
And we keep getting richer but we can’t get our picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone
wanna see my picture on the cover
(Stone) wanna buy five copies for my mother (I want one)
(Stone) wanna see my smiling face
On the cover of the Rolling Stone
On the cover of the Rolling Stone
Gonna see my picture on the cover (I don’t know why we ain’t on the cover, baby)
Gonna buy five copies for my mother (we’re beautiful fellas)
Gonna see my smiling face (I ain’t kidding ya, we would make a beautiful cover)
On the cover of the Rolling Stone (front shot, right up front, man, I can see it now)
We’d be on the front, smiling, man, oh, beautiful