Meaning of "I Was Only Joking" by Rod Stewart

"I Was Only Joking" delves into the narrator's past and the choices he made in his youth. From the beginning, the lyrics highlight the narrator's rebellious nature and his disregard for rules. As he grows older, he realizes that he is not as different as he once thought. He and his friends, the Valentinos, break hearts but fail to form lasting connections. The chorus reflects a sense of regret and fear, as the narrator admits to using humor as a defense mechanism to hide his fears and insecurities. He questions his decisions and wonders if he was foolish to think he could ever win in love. The illusions of finding true love and the excitement of new relationships begin to fade as the narrator collects numerous lovers like butterflies, only to realize that the grand prize he sought is elusive. The reference to Susie exemplifies a failed relationship that ended because she took their love too seriously. The narrator acknowledges that he was just joking and never had sincere intentions. He fears the question of sincerity and tries to please his partner by saying what they want to hear. However, he admits that he struggles with giving love and suggests that it is pointless to continue in a relationship where he cannot fully express his emotions. The lyrics conclude with the narrator acknowledging his mistake of pouring his heart out in a song and confessing his actions for the world to see. He suggests that it's time to move on, as he feels misunderstood and disconnected from the audience.