"Joe Cool" Lyrics
One of Snoopy's favorite alter-egos gained his own theme song, thanks to the animated TV specials. The tune has also been recorded by B.B. King, and appears on the 1989 GRP CD Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown...although that version is distinctly different.
The original lyrics, written for 1972's You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown, and credited to Vince Guaraldi, are:
Joe Cool...back in school.
Hangin' round the water fountain,
Playin' the fool.
Joe Cool...take it light.
If the principal catches you,
You're out of sight.
(Take those shades off...walkin' round the halls.)
Joe Cool...makin' the rounds.
Checkin' all the kiddies,
Up and down.
Joe Cool...play it straight.
If the principal catches you,
It's gon-na...be...too late.
(Yeaaaahhh...better learn to add now.)
The following year, in the TV special There's No Time for Love, Charlie Brown, the song collected a few more verses. To reflect Snoopy's temporary responsibilities as a supermarket check-out clerk, these lines were added:
Joe Cool...after school.
Workin' in the supermarket,
Just like a mule.
Joe Cool...do it right.
And be careful of the manager,
He's dy-na-mite.
Check each item...get those prices right!
Joe Cool...straighten things out.
Take it easy, buddy...
You don't have to shout.
Joe Cool...just relax.
If you bug the poor ol' manager,
You get the ax.
Pay attention...don't you mess things up!
Joe Cool...after school.
Working in the supermarket,
Breaking the rules.
Joe Cool...playin' the clown.
Just be careful of the shopping carts,
They're goin'...to bring...you down.
Yeah...goin' for a ride now...
At some point in the 1980s, likely when she and Ed Bogas were co-writing the music for later Peanuts TV specials (following Guaraldi's death), Desiree Goyette wrote the following lyrics. According to the BMI Songview Database, this version technically is titled "Joe Cool Too," and is listed as co-written by Guaraldi and Goyette. This is the version B.B. King sings, on the 1989 compilation album Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown.
(Some sources claim Goyette's lyrics were written in 1971, which is highly unlikely, since she was only 15 that year!)
Joe Cool...startin' today.
Hey, it looks a little cloudy,
But that's okay...'cause he's Joe Cool
Joe Cool...dressin' up right,
Going out to catch a lady to take out tonight.
Put the shades on...precious pearly white;
Lookin' casual, feelin' dynomite.
Joe Cool...struttin' the streets,
Trying to impress each little darling he meets.
He says, "Hey baby...how 'bout a midnight snack?"
She says, "Got a date already; I'll catch you later, Jack."
He says, "Take it easy baby.
Don't come on too strong.
What's your hurry? You got all day long."
Joe Cool...he heads home.
But he's not sure.
Yeah, he's thumbing his finger
Through his little black book.
Now here's one you ain't seen for a while.
You know, the little French cutie
With the little pretty smile.
Dial that number; flash all of your charms
If you want that babe, that baby in your arms.
I said, Joe Cool, well, he got that date.
He showed up not a minute early, not a minute too late.
He sais, "Hey baby...here's a flower for you."
She said, "Come a little closer.
I've got something for you, too."
Keep it light now...playin' by the rules.
Then she slaps him; he feels like a fool.
He says "Hey baby...what did you do that for?"
She says, "You ain't called me
In at least a year or more."
He heads home...but he's no fool.
He may not have a girlfriend but,
At least he's cool...Joe Cool.
Joe Cool...he'll be okay.
Just remember tomorrow is another day.
Oh yes...Joe Cool.
This version subsequently surfaced at least one more time, when Boyz II Men sang Goyette's lyrics in the November 2015 TV special, It's Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown. It's readily available via YouTube.
