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"Stuck in the Middle with You", recorded by the folk-rock band Stealers Wheel in 1972, is a 1970s classic written by founders Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan. The upbeat, infectious hit was originally created as a sarcastic parody of Bob Dylan's paranoid style and serves as a witty critique of the music industry. The Story and Meaning Behind the Song The Inspiration: The idea for the song came to Rafferty and Egan while attending a record label launch party in London. Feeling out of place among the "clowns and jokers" (music executives and industry hangers-on), they quickly wrote the track to mock the awkwardness. The Sound: It features an upbeat, shuffling acoustic rhythm, contrasting heavily with the lyrics' themes of unease and paranoia. The Vocals: Gerry Rafferty sings the main lead vocals, with Joe Egan providing the harmony. Surprise Success: Released in 1973, the band didn't expect it to be a hit, but it soared to No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart. The Album The song was originally the centerpiece of Stealers Wheel's 1972 self-titled debut album. Several different compilation albums, such as Stuck in the Middle with You: The Best of Stealers Wheel, package this hit alongside other folk-rock fan favorites.