Introduction:
“I Started A Joke” is one of the most melancholic and introspective masterpieces from the legendary Bee Gees, famously featuring the haunting lead vocals of Robin Gibb. Released as a single in December 1968, this poignant track is a standout from their fifth studio album, Idea, which itself was released earlier that same year. “I Started A Joke” perfectly encapsulates the Bee Gees’ unique blend of sophisticated pop and soft rock, characterized by intricate harmonies, rich orchestration, and deeply reflective lyrical themes. The song’s distinct mood, driven by Robin’s emotive and trembling vibrato, set it apart from many of their more upbeat hits and contributed to its enduring legacy as a profound and often-covered classic. It showcases the trio’s remarkable ability to explore complex emotions and philosophical questions within a pop framework, a hallmark of their prolific songwriting partnership.
- Year Released: 1968 (as a single)
- Album: Idea
- Genre: Pop / Soft Rock
“I Started A Joke” was recorded on June 20, 1968, at IBC Studios in London. It was one of the last tracks completed for the Idea album. The single was released in December 1968, though notably, it was not issued as a single in the United Kingdom, where fans had to purchase the album to hear it. However, it achieved significant international success, particularly in North America, Australia, and parts of Europe. The song’s genesis is quite fascinating, with Robin Gibb stating that the melancholic melody was inspired by the droning sound of an airplane engine during a flight, which he perceived as a “church choir.” This dreamlike inspiration translated into a song that feels both deeply personal and universally existential. The production was handled jointly by the Bee Gees themselves (Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb) and their manager, Robert Stigwood, ensuring that the song’s intricate arrangement and emotional core were fully realized. The musical accompaniment features Maurice Gibb on piano and bass guitar, Vince Melouney on electric and acoustic guitar (this being his last Bee Gees single before his departure), and Colin Petersen on drums, all complemented by Bill Shepherd’s lush string arrangements. This orchestral texture adds to the song’s dreamlike and sorrowful atmosphere, enhancing Robin’s raw vocal delivery.
The songwriting credit for “I Started A Joke” officially goes to all three brothers: Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. However, it is widely acknowledged that Robin Gibb was the primary lyricist and melodic conceptualizer for the song, with Barry and Maurice contributing to the bridge. This division of creative labor was common within the Bee Gees, allowing each brother’s distinct voice and perspective to shape their output. Robin Gibb’s lead vocal performance on “I Started A Joke” is arguably one of his most iconic and emotionally charged. His unique vibrato and the poignant sincerity in his voice perfectly convey the song’s themes of alienation, misunderstanding, and existential despair, where a simple joke spirals into profound cosmic consequences for the narrator. This vocal vulnerability resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying the song’s place as a fan favorite and a critical highlight of Robin’s artistry. The paradoxical imagery and mystical interpretation of the lyrics contributed to its magnetic charm, as noted by contemporary music reviews.
Achievements:
“I Started A Joke” achieved considerable international success, cementing its place as one of the Bee Gees’ most beloved and enduring ballads:
- Chart-Topping Success: The song was a major hit, reaching No. 1 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Brazil. In Canada, it notably spent two weeks at the top of the RPM charts.
- US Top 10 Hit: In the United States, “I Started A Joke” performed exceptionally well on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 6. It also reached No. 6 on the Cash Box chart and No. 5 on the Record World chart, indicating significant popularity across various US music publications.
- European Chart Presence: The single also charted strongly across Europe, reaching No. 3 in France and the Netherlands, No. 5 in Switzerland, No. 8 in Belgium (Wallonia), No. 16 in Austria, and No. 19 in Belgium (Flanders) and Italy. In Norway, it peaked at No. 3.
- Iconic Music Video: The promotional video for “I Started A Joke,” directed by Jean-Christophe Averty, was filmed in Brussels as part of the Idea TV Special. It features surreal imagery, including floating question marks around Robin Gibb as he sings, contributing to the song’s mystique and visual appeal.
- Highly Covered Song: The song’s unique lyrical depth and haunting melody have made it a favorite for cover versions across various genres. Notable covers include a popular rendition by American rock band Faith No More (which also charted in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK in 1998), a reggae version by Robbie Williams with The Orb, and a cover by the Pet Shop Boys. These covers highlight the song’s enduring appeal and versatility across different musical styles.
- Cultural Impact: “I Started A Joke” has been featured in popular culture, including its prominent use in the ending of the film Penn & Teller Get Killed. It remains a quintessential Bee Gees song, often included in their greatest hits compilations and live performances, enduring as a powerful example of their early psychedelic pop sound and Robin Gibb’s unparalleled vocal expressiveness.
