Joyce The Librarian - Lyrics And Chords ⇒ [Essential]

A complete printable lyrics + chords PDF (including the bridge and outro fingerpicking pattern) is available via Maren Coates’ Bandcamp page—pay-what-you-want, with all proceeds going to the Every Library Foundation.

Until then, next time you see your local Joyce… maybe hum a few bars. Quietly.

"Joyce the Librarian" is a beloved humorous song famously performed by the British musical-comedy duo Richard Stilgoe and Peter Skellern. The song tells the wry, lighthearted story of a strict, vegetarian librarian whose life is upended by a handsome visitor named George. Lyrics of "Joyce the Librarian"

The song is characterized by its clever rhymes and narrative structure, often evoking the style of light verse or musical hall comedy.

(Verse 1)Joyce the librarian, the strict vegetarian,Forty and living with mum.Wears sandals and glasses, attends evening classes,Wondering if romance will come.Though she’d never been kissed, it’s not something she’d missedUntil some weeks before.When George, a Rotarian, a handsome Lotharian,Walked through the library door.

(Verses 2-4 and Conclusion)The story continues as Joyce experiences romantic longing, attempting to find inspiration in literature and experiencing "animal lust," leading to a humorous climax involving a misunderstanding about a book and a brief, ill-fated affair, as detailed in the full lyrics. Joyce The Librarian - I'm Trying, Honestly!

Perhaps because latterly. She'd read "Lady Chatterley" Something just snapped in her head; She gave herself gladly, Wildly, madly, Blogger.com Joyce The Librarian By Richard Stilgoe & Peter Skellern

About the Song: "Joyce the Librarian" (also known as "Joyce") is a song by the English rock band The Smiths. It was released in 1984 as a single and later included on their compilation album "The Smiths' Best".

Lyrics and Chords: Below are the lyrics and chords to "Joyce the Librarian". Please note that there might be slight variations in different versions or live performances.

Verse: G - G7 - C - C7 In my room I lock the door G - G7 - C - C7 I don't want to go out anymore G - G7 - Am - D7 And so I turn on my radio G - G7 - C - C7 For I want to hear something I know

Chorus: Em - B7 - C - G Joyce the librarian, after hours Em - B7 - C - G Is there anybody who cares?

Verse: G - G7 - C - C7 The wireless plays on and on and on and on G - G7 - C - C7 The same three songs, the same four songs G - G7 - Am - D7 The DJ plays, they all play G - G7 - C - C7 The blues I cry, blues I cry joyce the librarian - lyrics and chords

Chorus: Em - B7 - C - G Joyce the librarian, after hours Em - B7 - C - G Is there anybody who cares?

Context: The song "Joyce the Librarian" or more commonly known as simply "Joyce" by The Smiths is about a girl named Joyce. Although details about her are scarce, the song captures Morrissey's (the lead vocalist and lyricist) empathy and longing. The track features jangly guitars typical of The Smiths' sound.

The Smiths: The Smiths were an influential English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. The band consisted of Morrissey (lead vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass guitar), and Mike Joyce (drums). Known for their witty lyrics, poetic imagery, and a blend of jangly guitar work and introspective songwriting, The Smiths are considered one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Their music paved the way for the indie rock genre.

"Joyce the Librarian" is a humorous musical comedy piece by Richard Stilgoe and Peter Skellern, famously celebrated for its witty wordplay and clever rhymes. Review Highlights

Witty Narrative: Listeners often praise the song's "literary quality" and find it genuinely funny, noting that it can make you "laugh all the way home".

Clever Wordplay: The lyrics are highly regarded for their intricate rhyme schemes—pairing "vegetarian" with "Rotarian" and "Lotharian"—to tell the story of a mousy librarian's unexpected romantic awakening.

Musical Charm: Reviews of live performances highlight the "gorgeous enchantment" of the arrangement, which typically features piano or simple acoustic backing that lets the comedic storytelling shine.

Lasting Legacy: The song was so influential it inspired the name of the Bristol-based indie-folk band Joyce the Librarian, whose own music is often described as "understated but undeniably beautiful". Lyrics & Chords Summary Joyce The Librarian - I'm Trying, Honestly!

Song: Joyce the Librarian Artist: Arrogant Worms (a Canadian comedy music group)

Background: "Joyce the Librarian" is a humorous song by the Arrogant Worms, a Canadian comedy music group known for their witty and often sarcastic songs about everyday life. The song was released in 1992 on their album "The Arrogant Worms".

Lyrics: The song tells the story of Joyce, a librarian who appears to be a strict and uptight individual. However, the lyrics reveal a more playful and flirtatious side to her personality. The song's narrator describes Joyce as someone who "shushes" him, but also leaves a suggestive note in a book. A complete printable lyrics + chords PDF (including

Chords: The chords to "Joyce the Librarian" are relatively simple and can be played on an acoustic guitar. Here's a rough guide:

Verse: G - Em - C - D G - Em - C - D

Chorus: C - G - Am - D C - G - Am - D

Bridge: Am - F - G - C Am - F - G - C

Lyrics and Chords: Here's a rough outline of the lyrics and chords:

Verse 1 (G - Em - C - D) I went to the library, feeling quite sly Looking for a book, with a twinkle in my eye I found one that interested me, a romance novel But then I saw Joyce, the librarian, looking quite...

Chorus (C - G - Am - D) Joyce, Joyce, the librarian Shushing me, all the time But I found a note, in a book you see That said "meet me, at the library"

Verse 2 (G - Em - C - D) I approached her desk, with a nervous grin Said "excuse me, Joyce, I think I've found a gem within" She shushed me, of course, but then she smiled Left a note in the book, that made my heart go wild

Chorus (C - G - Am - D) Joyce, Joyce, the librarian Shushing me, all the time But I found a note, in a book you see That said "meet me, at the library"

Tips: If you're planning to play "Joyce the Librarian" on guitar, I recommend using a folk-style strumming pattern to match the song's lighthearted and comedic feel. Also, be sure to emphasize the humorous aspects of the lyrics to bring the song to life!

Here’s a short reflective piece on “Joyce the Librarian” – lyrics and chords, written as if for a music or culture blog. "Joyce the Librarian" is a beloved humorous song

[Verse 1]
(C) Joyce the librarian, (G) quiet as a mouse,
(Am) Shushing in the (F) corner of the (C) library house.
(C) Stacks of books and (G) story time,
(Am) Dewey Decimal (F) system rhyme —
(C) Joyce the librarian, (G) you’re the (C) best in town.

[Verse 2]
(C) Stamp the due date, (G) check it out,
(Am) Never any (F) need to (C) shout.
(C) Bookmarks ready, (G) summer read,
(Am) Joyce knows exactly (F) what you need —
(C) Joyce the librarian, (G) you’re the (C) best in town.

[Chorus]
(F) Shhhh — (C) quiet please,
(G) Find a mystery or (C) tall oak trees.
(F) Shhhh — (C) take a seat,
(G) Joyce will help make (C) reading sweet.

(Repeat Verse 1 & Chorus if desired)

"Joyce the Librarian" is a song by The B-52's, an American new wave rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976. The band's music is known for its quirky, humorous lyrics and eclectic blend of surf rock, pop, and punk influences. "Joyce the Librarian" appears on their 2002 album, "Coconut Telegraph" or more accurately, on the 2002 release "Jellyfish", but it seems there might be some confusion regarding the actual album it features on.

(Capo 3rd fret)

G
The fluorescent lights hum a lullaby
D
Overdue romance, a kid who starts to cry
Em
Joyce looks up, pushes her glasses higher
C
Says “that’s okay, books are allowed to expire”

Cadd9 – G – D – Em (chorus)
So go on, take it home, take it slow
Joyce the Librarian already knows
The best stories aren’t the ones you keep—
They’re the ones you return so someone else can weep.

At the end of the chorus on the word "dark" (C chord), place your entire fretting hand flat across the strings to kill the sound immediately. It mimics the abrupt silence of a librarian’s glare.

The song lives and dies on the speed between C and G. Keep your ring finger anchored on the 3rd fret of the low E string (for G) or the A string (for C). Practice lifting only your index and middle fingers.

Whether you’re playing the original children’s song or a folk-style tribute to a beloved librarian named Joyce, this simple chord set works for most versions. The song is usually upbeat and friendly, perfect for storytime or a classroom tribute.

Title: Joyce the Librarian
Format requested: Lyrics with chord notation and brief usage notes