Real Smooth
Is She Really Going Out With Him? - Joe Jackson (Blast from the Past Tuesday)
The goal of most music is to engage the listener, to pull them in close and give them something important, some sort of message or refrain they’ll like enough to hit repeat. However, there’s something to be said for songs that put you in the story of the lyrics, let you be a part of the action instead of just observing. Very few songs achieve this level of buddy-buddy better than Joe Jackson’s 1979 hit “Is She Really Going Out With Him?”.
From the very beginning, you’re right next to him. I always imagine it at some kind of hometown diner, a conversation that began while settling in the seats that face the street. Jackson’s voice is bitter, motivated by disbelief at the state of the romantic world. When he spies an ex-lover, he states “she’s married now/or engaged or something”, then quickly saves it with a real smooth “so I am told”. I see this song as Jackson doing some deep character work, embodying an arrogant ego that insists something is wrong with everything else but himself.
Other than the entertaining lyrics, “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” is one of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard. It’s got everything — prominent piano, quick bass, deep kick drum. But the shining grace of the whole darn song is the call and response; “look over there” followed by a corny, over-exaggerated “where?” that’s impossible not to replicate once you hear it.
Joe Jackson created something stellar with “Is She Really Going Out With Him”. Catchy, fun, and a little cheesy, this song makes you a wingman, a silent sidekick there to smile and nod at whatever he wants to rant about. By the end of the track, I’m just as judgemental as the lyrics are, sneering the title every time it comes up. When people say music can transport you anywhere, I’m not sure they were thinking about this, but it’s memorable in a way that’ll live on for quite a while.
Got something you think I should hear? Let me know here!
Follow Ear Bites on Instagram here!
Follow Ear Bites on Spotify here!
Listen to my radio show “No Static at All” Saturdays 1:30pm-3:30pm EST or my other show all about new music Tuesdays 12:30-1:30pm EST here!