Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealers Wheel

By: Ron Powers

In 1973, the Scottish folk rock band Stealers Wheel struck gold with the release of “Stuck In The Middle With You”. The song reached number 8 on the UK charts and soon became an international hit reaching number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The band didn't expect the song’s huge success and were surprised when the single sold over one million copies. Interestingly, it was written as a parody of Bob Dylan's style and has been mistaken as a song by the folk legend since its release. From its snappy rhythm to its cozy and catchy melody, "Stuck In The Middle With You” offers a laid back vibe that keeps toes tapping from start to finish.

Things get started with a smoothly played acoustic guitar riff by Gerry Rafferty. Soon the bippity bop of Tony Williams' bass line joins Rafferty and is followed by the drums and a second acoustic guitar rhythm by Joe Egan. Next, we hear the rough yet smooth vocal delivery of Rafferty singing about feeling out of place and disoriented at a music industry party. By now the boys have their listener’s heads bobbing to a rhythmic cocktail reminiscent of “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” by The Beatles. By the time the first verse comes to a close, it’s easy to understand why “Stuck In The Middle With You” is considered one of the best songs from the 1970s.

Leading into the chorus, Rafferty sings the words “Clowns to the left of me / Jokers to the right” and then delivers the iconic chorus lines “Here I am / Stuck in the middle with you”. Subtle vocal harmonies are also sprinkled in to give the central hook just a touch more pep. Additionally, a simple scat guitar rhythm alternates between down beats and offbeats throughout the chorus further adding to the catchy rhythm in the music. Without gushing emotion, “Stuck In The Middle With You” is a song that acknowledges and soothes the bewildering and unwelcome aspects of life. Its laidback vibe and subtle humor invites the listener to relax and lighten up while traversing the vicissitudes of existence.

The bridge section for “Stuck In The Middle With You” is particularly interesting in that it is repeated: Delivered once after the second chorus and once after the instrumental. This allows the section to function both as a bridge and chorus and helps make the song even more memorable. We hear the lyrics, “Well you started off with nothing / and you’re proud that you’re a self made man”. These lines are followed by a snappy lead guitar part that slides around the fretboard and enhances the rhythm. Additionally, the energy of the music picks up with bass guitar switching to a driving rhythm along with the jingle jangle of sixteenth note tambourine shakes. This section creates a structural pattern that is rare indeed in popular music. I actually can’t recall one other song that uses a bridge quite like this.

Sadly, the founding members of Stealers Wheel have passed on and the possibility of a reunion went with them. However, the legacy of their music lives on in the hearts and ears of millions around the world. If you would like to listen to “Stuck In The Middle With You” or any of the band’s other well-crafted songs, you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold. If you would like to learn more about Stealers Wheel, you can find more information on Wikipedia.

Ron Powers