About the song
“Queen of Hearts,” originally penned by Hank DeVito, resonates as a quintessential country-pop crossover hit. First recorded by Dave Edmunds for his 1979 album “Repeat When Necessary,” the song gained traction with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. Despite charting moderately in the UK and Ireland that year, it wasn’t until Juice Newton’s 1981 rendition that “Queen of Hearts” truly soared to international acclaim.
Juice Newton’s interpretation, featured on her album “Juice,” propelled the song to new heights. Newton initially hesitated about recording it, recalling her discovery of the song’s potential during live performances before convincing her producer Richard Landis to include it in her album. Released as the second single from “Juice,” “Queen of Hearts” swiftly climbed the Billboard Hot 100, securing the number two spot for two weeks in September 1981, just behind Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love.” The track’s popularity earned Newton a Gold certification for selling over a million units in the United States alone.
Internationally, “Queen of Hearts” mirrored its US success, reaching the top ten charts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and Switzerland. Its reception in Europe was also positive, charting notably in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. The song’s crossover appeal wasn’t just limited to music; it found its way into popular culture through films like Oliver Stone’s “Salvador” (1986) and “Boogie Nights” (1997), as well as television series such as “The Americans” and “South Park.”
Newton’s rendition of “Queen of Hearts” remains a defining moment in country-pop history, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1982. Recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the top 100 greatest country songs of all time, the song continues to captivate audiences with its infectious melody and Newton’s distinctive vocal delivery.
Throughout her career, Newton revisited “Queen of Hearts,” recording it again for her 1998 album “The Trouble With Angels.” Its enduring popularity underscores its status as a timeless classic that bridges genres and generations, solidifying its place in the annals of music history as a beloved and enduring hit.
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