Introduction
Bee Gees’ haunting ballad “I Started a Joke”, released on 21 December 1968 as the second single from their album Idea, stands as one of the trio’s most emotionally resonant and enigmatic works . Penned primarily by Robin Gibb, with contributions from Barry and Maurice, the song captures a sense of remorse and wistful introspection, framed within melancholic melodies and lush orchestration .
The creation of the song is steeped in an evocative anecdote: while on a flight aboard a British Airways Vickers Viscount near Essen, Robin was said to have heard the droning engines morph into a melody reminiscent of a church choir. This serendipitous moment provided the song’s central motif . Though Robin later quipped that the dramatic landing story “wasn’t village, pub or forced,” it remains an enduring piece of Bee Gees lore .
Recorded on 20 June 1968 at London’s IBC Studios, the track featured Robin’s plaintive lead vocals, intricate harmonies from Barry and Maurice, Vince Melouney’s final guitar contribution, Colin Petersen’s subtle rhythms, and Bill Shepherd’s tender string arrangements . The production, overseen by Robert Stigwood alongside the brothers, elevated the song’s emotional impact.
Chart-wise, “I Started a Joke” achieved substantial success. It soared to No. 1 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, and Brazil, and reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100—despite not being released as a single in the UK, where Polydor instead promoted a cover by Heath Hampstead .
The lyric’s allegorical journey—beginning with a “joke” that leaves the whole world crying and culminating in a death that sparks life—resonates with themes of guilt, isolation, and unintended consequences. Its spiritual ambiguity and emotive power have prompted cover versions by notable artists like Faith No More and Pet Shop Boys, and its enduring allure continues to captivate listeners across generations .
In summation, “I Started a Joke” endures not only as a pivotal moment in the Bee Gees’ artistic evolution but also as a timeless meditation on the profound complexities of human emotion. Its ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics ensure it remains a cherished classic.