Released June 1993 (1993-06) Label Fontana, A&M | Length 3:56 | |
B-side "Cajun Song", "Just South of Nowhere", and "Angels Tonight" Format CD single, cassette single, 7" single, 8" square vinyl Genre Alternative rock
jangle pop | ||
"Hey Jealousy" is a song by the Gin Blossoms. The song was included in the group's debut album Dusted (1989), and then was re-recorded on their breakthrough 1992 album New Miserable Experience. It was written by lead guitarist Doug Hopkins, who was fired from the band shortly after the recording of the second album. It became their first Billboard Top-40 single in 1993, reaching number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 24 on the UK Singles Chart.
Contents
Lyrics
As one critic notes, the lyrics of the song reflect Hopkins' "constantly self-medicating in the face of depression." However, even though the lyrics' "hopefulness shriveled into empty promise," the performance of the song "is emotionally detached from Hopkins' afflictions" and presents a "sunny soundtrack" for his depression.
The lyrics originally contained the line "you can trust me not to drink", referring to Hopkins' addiction, but this was changed by the band.
Critical reception
Initially largely unnoticed due to its placement on the unsuccessful Dusted, "Hey Jealousy" enjoyed success upon the release of New Miserable Experience. A review by Rolling Stone called the song "manna for radio", highlighting "the ease with which this quintet casts hooks". Allmusic staff writer Rick Anderson stated that "'Hey Jealousy' and 'Until I Fall Away' are the two songs that leave the deepest impression".
Cover versions
The Ergs! recorded a cover of the song on their 2008 album "Hindsight is 20/20, My Friend," released on Dirtnap Records.
Bowling for Soup recorded a cover of "Hey Jealousy" on their 2016 album Drunk Dynasty.
Track listing
- "Hey Jealousy" (Doug Hopkins) – 3:56
- "Cajun Song" (Jesse Valenzuela) – 2:56
- "Just South of Nowhere" (Valenzuela) – 3:26
- "Angels Tonight" (Hopkins) – 3:34