The History of the Song
“Playing with the Queen of Hearts” is a song written by Hank DeVito, a pedal steel guitarist for Emmylou Harris’s Hot Band in the late 1970s. The song was released in 1981 by American country music artist Juice Newton. It was a major success, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song was also a hit in Canada, peaking at number three on the Canadian Singles Chart.
The Meaning Behind the Song
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who falls in love with a man who is a “player,” always flirting with different women. She knows he is not the type to settle down, but she can’t help herself from falling for him anyway. The chorus compares her feelings to “playing with the queen of hearts,” a reference to the high stakes involved in a game of cards.
Cover Versions
“Playing with the Queen of Hearts” has been covered by several artists over the years, including rock band The Jayhawks and country singer Lynn Anderson. In 1996, American country music artist Reba McEntire covered the song for her album “What If It’s You.” The song was released as a single and reached number 20 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
The Legacy of the Song
“Playing with the Queen of Hearts” remains a beloved classic in country music. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a popular choice for karaoke and cover performances. The song’s success also helped launch Juice Newton’s career, and she went on to have several more hits throughout the 1980s.
Conclusion
“Playing with the Queen of Hearts” is a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today. Its message of falling in love with the wrong person is one that many people can relate to, and the song’s catchy melody ensures that it will continue to be played for years to come.
