CYNDI LAUPER - BALLAD OF CLEO AND JOE

Released: September 16, 1997 

"Ballad of Cleo and Joe" is an exploration of the double life of a drag queen, depicted as 'Joe' by day and 'Cleo' by night. Written by Cyndi Lauper and Jan Pulsford, the song delves into the complexities of identity and self-expression. Produced by Pulsford, Mark Saunders, and Lauper herself, the track received favorable reviews from music critics for its emotional depth. Although it did not enter the US Billboard Hot 100, "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" made its mark, debuting at number 24 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

The song bravely addresses the then-taboo topic of living a double life as a drag queen. By day, the protagonist is Joe, laboring at a low-paying job, yearning for the transformation that awaits at night. The song vividly portrays Joe's meticulous preparation to become Cleo, a glamorous figure who shines in the nighttime world of the club scene. Cleo's anticipation builds as she waits for the DJ to spin the perfect track, embodying the freedom and joy of self-expression in the vibrant atmosphere of the bar. 

"Ballad of Cleo and Joe" stands out as one of the tracks on Cyndi Lauper's album "Sisters of Avalon" that bravely addresses taboo subjects. Lauper's thematic exploration in the album delves into issues of complacency, ignorance, and discrimination against minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and women. Through songs like "Ballad of Cleo and Joe," Lauper sheds light on the struggles and complexities of living authentically in a society that may not always embrace diversity and individuality. 

The music video for "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" encapsulates the essence of the song with its campy and playful aesthetic. Cyndi Lauper's portrayal of Cleo, adorned with a black bob wig and dressed in glamorous club attire, highlights the character's dual identity and the vibrant spirit of the drag queen community. The incorporation of Lauper's pregnant belly adorned as a mirror ball adds a whimsical and theatrical touch to the visuals, enhancing the song's message of self-expression and celebration of diversity. In the context of the 1990s, a period marked by limited mainstream representation of LGBTQ+ themes, the music video stands out as a bold and unapologetic statement of solidarity and acceptance.