I Was Only Joking
"I Was Only Joking" is a song written by Gary Grainger and Rod Stewart. Stewart released it as a track on his 1977 album, "Foot Loose & Fancy Free". When released as a single, the song performed well, becoming a top 40 hit in various countries, including No. 5 in the UK and No. 22 in the US. In the United Kingdom, "I Was Only Joking" charted as part of a double A-side with "Hot Legs". According to "Billboard Magazine", Stewart is in "top form interpreting insightful lyrics over a rhythmic, semi-acoustic rock foundation," and  Billboard also praised the string and mandolin playing. "Cash Box" called the song "a gentle ballad about growing and learning" and called the guitar playing "clean." The song is one of Stewart's most loved songs, containing some of his finest sets of lyrics. A heartfelt tale of youth looked on from a now-mature perspective in regret and sorrow. A long guitar solo features, starting with acoustic then moving to electric. The solo is played by Stewart’s frequent collaborator and English guitarist Jim Cregan. It is seen as one of the best guitar solos in classic rock. I