Snookeroo


"Snookeroo" is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and released by Ringo Starr on his 1974 album Goodnight Vienna.

Writing and release

The song, which concerns a happy-go-lucky lout from northern England, and was possibly inspired by, if not specifically written about Starr himself, the lyric referencing Starr's upbringing in the north of England and his laid-back manner. John recalled, "Bernie wrote really simple lyrics, very Ringo type lyrics and I tried to write a simple sort of melody to it". John also plays piano on the track and provides the count-off.
The title refers to the billiards game snooker, and has several connotations, according to the Cambridge Dictionary. Charting as a tag-along with "No No Song" in the US, it reached number three on the [Billboard Hot 100|Billboard Hot 100]. On the Cash Box chart, which listed single sides separately, it "bubbled under" at number 105.
The UK version of the single was released on 21 February 1975 with "Oo-Wee" on the B-side,; both tracks were taken from the album Goodnight Vienna.

Personnel

Personnel are taken from the Goodnight Vienna CD liner notes
Billboard described "Snookeroo" as "a perfect Ringo type cut" that is "an uptempo, happy song" with good use of horns and string instruments. Cash Box said that "it shares usual hit qualities" Ultimate Classic Rock critic Dave Swanson rated it Starr's 8th greatest solo song. The record failed to chart in the UK.