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Chris Isaak — Wicked Game
Album: Heart Shaped World
Avg rating:
8.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 6422








Released: 1989
Length: 4:43
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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World was on fire and no one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I'd never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you
And I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

No, I don't wanna fall in love
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't wanna fall in love
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you
With you
(This world is only gonna break your heart)

What a wicked game to play, to make me feel this way
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you

And I don't wanna fall in love
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't wanna fall in love
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you

World was on fire, no one could save me but you
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do
I'd never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you
And I'd never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

No, I don't wanna fall in love
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't wanna fall in love
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I...
(This world is only gonna break your heart)
(This world is only gonna break your heart)

Nobody loves no one
Comments (547)add comment
I recall seeing Chris at Slim's in either '89 or '90.  His guitarist, Jimmy, made the song.  The night they played, it's was Jimmy's bday.  Someone threw him a bottle of beer from the audience.  He caught it, but the bottle shattered in his hand.  The rest of the night he played with a bloody rag wrapped around his hand.
Posted 1 day ago by Clark_Novato    [ Reply ]
 master_betty wrote:

I know it sounds ridiculous but I feel like this masterpiece of a song was tainted by Chris himself when he acted like a creep trying to kiss Cameron Diaz during 1995(?) MTV Awards live on stage. Sometimes I succeed at separating the artist from the art they put up, sometimes I fail. Such is life I guess.

It's still a 10 from me. His behavior only brought it down from 11.



thank you!! sometimes I feel like I'm going insane. I used to loooove this song, until I heard more of his music and realized he only ever sings self-victimizing dirges about how women are tempting him. after seeing him straight up assault her, I realized that this was real shit. hearing him sing these lyrics now, blaming a girl for not liking him or "making" him lust over her, it just grosses me out. he's a skeeze at best.
Posted 1 week ago by rchapman0511    [ Reply ]
I know it sounds ridiculous but I feel like this masterpiece of a song was tainted by Chris himself when he acted like a creep trying to kiss Cameron Diaz during 1995(?) MTV Awards live on stage. Sometimes I succeed at separating the artist from the art they put up, sometimes I fail. Such is life I guess.

It's still a 10 from me. His behavior only brought it down from 11.
Posted 2 months ago by master_betty    [ Reply ]
To have "The Wicked Game" played on you is pretty fucking tough to take...
Posted 3 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:

I've had this song rated a 9 for a long time, but damn, that evocative guitar, that voice, those lyrics, everything about this song is a 10.



Same here - your post convinced me 
Posted 4 months ago by andrello    [ Reply ]
"Nobody loves no one" strikes me as a bitchin' ending. 
"Alright, how we gunna end this one?"
Reminiscent of the Doors "Stronger than dirt" ending to "Touch Me"
Posted 5 months ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Beautiful.
Posted 7 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 Jenny.lendrum1 wrote:

this one never fails to rock my heart




I'd say: this one never fails
Posted 7 months ago by andredise    [ Reply ]
Perfect.
Posted 9 months ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
Weltklasse ever!
Posted 11 months ago by silberschmucky    [ Reply ]
Wish they could get "The Chris Isaak Show" released. I remember it was great. Mona the mermaid. 
Posted 2 years ago by igotitmade2k    [ Reply ]
 Rockit9 wrote:

Song 8.... Vocal 9...... Guitar 10....9 average

That’s about right, IMO

Posted 2 years ago by AbileneTexas    [ Reply ]
Is it possible for a song to bring back too many memories??
Very good ones and so very sad ones?
My psyche get messed up every time I hear it.
Posted 2 years ago by Randy1cleo    [ Reply ]
I have heard this a LOT!  But, I can never hear too much of it!  Thanx RP!  PS: May Jimmy Wilsey Rest in Peace!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Jimmy Wilsey's guitar. . .oh my.  The tone, the soft attack, the perfect bending and bar work.  Well done, man.  RIP
Posted 2 years ago by curtlichter    [ Reply ]
 hellsgardener wrote:


Can't bear Southern Comfort 



Me too!  ...And women that drink Jack straight out of the bottle!   
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 jjbchansen159 wrote:

Saw him in concert last year. He's so good live.  




You lucky duck!  I wish that I could have been there too!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 hellsgardener wrote:


Can't bear Southern Comfort 


Don't bare with Southern Comfort?
Posted 2 years ago by cantdowoU    [ Reply ]
He's so good live.  
Posted 2 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
Saw him in concert last year. He's so good live.  
Posted 3 years ago by jjbchansen159    [ Reply ]
I rarely use the 10 but this one warrants it.



Posted 3 years ago by greine    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/23/1a/74/231a7496adafeb52cb158bb1726f8b17.jpg



I looked it up. that is "supermodel" Helena Christensen on a newly-formed black sand beach in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The beach was covered in lava not longer after the shoot. She is topless in most of the video.
Posted 3 years ago by igotitmade2k    [ Reply ]
Anyone else remember the other video for this song, from Wild At Heart? I always thought it fit the sense of longing and desperation in this song so much better. 
Posted 3 years ago by snider100    [ Reply ]
 Dancing_banana wrote:

"Women like three things: Men in kilts, Southern Comfort, and Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game" ~ Dave, Flight of the Conchords




Can't bear Southern Comfort 
Posted 3 years ago by hellsgardener    [ Reply ]
Oh Leslie ….
Posted 3 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
As I say of Mr. Issak, he's got the blues because he's unloved, or he's loved too much, or he loved and got hurt, or he loved and regretted it, or he couldn't find any baby to love, or some combo of the above.  Nice voice, but one basic soul to report in his songs.  No thanks.  he's a psd for me. 
Posted 3 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
wow... he can really float a note!
Posted 3 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Ah hell +1 to the top. That voice....
Posted 3 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]

"Women like three things: Men in kilts, Southern Comfort, and Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game" ~ Dave, Flight of the Conchords


Posted 3 years ago by Dancing_banana    [ Reply ]
 enkay wrote:
Still fantastic two decades later.


... 3 decades
Posted 3 years ago by sm11    [ Reply ]
There's a new book out about James Calvin Wilsey, Chris Isaak's original guitarist who came up with the Wicked Game riff that made the band famous:  https://hozacrecords.com/pre-o...

RIP James Calvin Wilsey.
Posted 3 years ago by DrinkTheRain    [ Reply ]
 CCSandman wrote:

A near perfect song - I've no idea what could be added/removed/tweaked to make it perfect though - what could make me give this a 10 instead of 9? I'm clueless...



Watch the video.  That might do it.
Posted 3 years ago by SchrodingersCat    [ Reply ]
I think, today, that this is probably my favourite song of all time.  So evocative of a time in my life long lost.

Posted 3 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
A near perfect song - I've no idea what could be added/removed/tweaked to make it perfect though - what could make me give this a 10 instead of 9? I'm clueless...
Posted 4 years ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/23/1a/74/231a7496adafeb52cb158bb1726f8b17.jpg


I know, I'm already pregnant, and I'm not even a woman...
Posted 4 years ago by jlm    [ Reply ]
Ageless  
Posted 4 years ago by bennie482    [ Reply ]
Great Song forever :-)
Posted 4 years ago by silberschmucky    [ Reply ]
The first time I heard this was when he opened a show for Suzanne Vega, before he started getting radio play. He was quite impressive! One of the sexiest dreamiest voices ever. 
Posted 4 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
This is one of my top ranked songs. Chris Isaak owns it. No question. However................ 

RP introduced me to London Grammar, the comments section told me they did a cover, and Hannah NAILS the feeling of the song while making it her own.  These are the covers I love. 
Posted 4 years ago by bctreefarmer    [ Reply ]
Three beginner chords (B minor, A, E), three instruments (guitar, bass and drums) and you have a rock classic. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
Posted 4 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 PaganSkier wrote:

For me it is one of those songs that serves as a bookmark to a chapter in my life. 


I liked it more after seeing Wild at Heart...but saw Chris Isaak at a show with my good friend (BIG fan) for her birthday - he came walking down the aisle in that big shiny coat and took her for a walk. I will love this moment forever! He and Lyle Lovett - very impressive shows and seem like really decent individuals
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
Easy, peasy, 10. 
Posted 4 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
Absolutely love this song, but as hard as I try I can only hear Chris sing "And I wanna fall in love with you"

Maybe it's just the optimist in me.
Posted 4 years ago by doktorkev    [ Reply ]
After Bill's intro to this song, naming the guitar player and his contribution to the song, I said to myself "An old school DJ".
Posted 4 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
impossible to sing anywhere close to how he manages to. Unique
Posted 4 years ago by Stetsonman    [ Reply ]
Roy Orbison's long lost son 
Posted 5 years ago by geonuine    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song ruined by overplay.
Posted 5 years ago by RDH    [ Reply ]


Posted 5 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
Looks like a young Kurt Russell on the album cover 🤔
Posted 5 years ago by Pioneer_Sing    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by uksminas    [ Reply ]
My favorite "cover" of this song is on Josh Ritter's Live the The Iveagh Gardens album, where bass player Zack Hickman unexpectedly belts out part of Wicked Game. Go check it out. 
Posted 5 years ago by pfreet    [ Reply ]
timeless... divine...
Posted 5 years ago by Jamer2k41    [ Reply ]
 lharrison wrote:
A dear friend just died. Is it possible to love someone more after they are gone?
 

Absolutely. It proves that love is stronger than death... 

Peace 
Posted 5 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:
I've had this song rated a 9 for a long time, but damn, that evocative guitar, that voice, those lyrics, everything about this song is a 10.
 
Yep, same here. It's a masterpiece.
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
A dear friend just died. Is it possible to love someone more after they are gone?
Posted 6 years ago by lharrison    [ Reply ]
I've had this song rated a 9 for a long time, but damn, that evocative guitar, that voice, those lyrics, everything about this song is a 10.
Posted 6 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
some real good covers of this on The Voice internationally (Anton of Russia, Andre of Ukraine and the lovely lady Nadezhda from Bulgaria
Posted 6 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
Ha, I just saw him and he was wearing that mirror suit in the wiki pic and cracking jokes about it all night. Great show, cool guy, aged well too.
Posted 6 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
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Posted 6 years ago by tujhhh    [ Reply ]
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Posted 6 years ago by tujhhh    [ Reply ]
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Posted 6 years ago by tujhhh    [ Reply ]
 user4176 wrote:
One of the best songs, ever. I like the cover of London Grammar even better, even if that makes me a terrible person.
 

Hannah has an amazing voice
Posted 6 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/23/1a/74/231a7496adafeb52cb158bb1726f8b17.jpg
 
MMMM Helena - still looks amazing
Posted 6 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
For me it is one of those songs that serves as a bookmark to a chapter in my life. 
Posted 6 years ago by PaganSkier    [ Reply ]
 Jenny.lendrum1 wrote:
this one never fails to rock my heart
 

Never fails to make me hit the skip toggle 
Posted 6 years ago by icuski2    [ Reply ]
If you have the chance to see Chris in concert, don't think about it, just go, you won't be disappointed.
Posted 6 years ago by wolverine    [ Reply ]
I paid waaaay too much attention to this video when it came out on MTV and got caught by my mom. 
Posted 6 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
Only 3 chords. Amazing.
Posted 6 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Said by a friend of mine... "Women get pregnant just *listening* to this song!" 
Posted 7 years ago by Laurelai    [ Reply ]
One of the best songs, ever. I like the cover of London Grammar even better, even if that makes me a terrible person.
Posted 7 years ago by user4176    [ Reply ]
I first heard Chris Isaak c.1986 when he opened for Suzanne Vega... he was quite impressive.
Posted 7 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Love this tune
Posted 7 years ago by Moleta_Woman    [ Reply ]
 icuski2 wrote:
This isn't Roy Orbison??
 
It's a 4 or 5 on the Orbison scale.  Roy singing this would deliver chills on the big notes.
Posted 7 years ago by rgio    [ Reply ]
 Queue wrote:

I think it is a bit of a yodel nod/tribute if you will.  Certainly not full-on yodeling, but that yodel-y crack from full voice to falsetto is definitely there.
 
I always thought that a part of his singing style was a nod to Slim Whitman and/or Frank Ifield.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Song 8.... Vocal 9...... Guitar 10....9 average
Posted 7 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
this one never fails to rock my heart
Posted 7 years ago by Jenny.lendrum1    [ Reply ]
This world is only gonna break your heart.{#Cry}
Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 RobN wrote:

I stand corrected.This forum can be educational at times.

 
I think it is a bit of a yodel nod/tribute if you will.  Certainly not full-on yodeling, but that yodel-y crack from full voice to falsetto is definitely there.
Posted 7 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
Reminds me so much of Ricky Nelson. Who? LOL Look him up. Ozzie And Harriet.
Posted 7 years ago by slowchair    [ Reply ]
I remembered watching the video to this song and having to quickly turn off the TV when my mom came in the room. Thanks for the memory.
Posted 8 years ago by cavemanleong    [ Reply ]
Great Song...Better Video
Posted 8 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
 Solanus wrote:

That's not yodeling - it's just a falsetto. Yodeling would be if he quickly oscillated between falsetto and full voice.

 
I stand corrected.This forum can be educational at times.
Posted 8 years ago by RobN    [ Reply ]
MMMM - Helena! - One of the original Angels + Victoria Secret Fashion Show Tonight at 10 {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 8 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
Mistakenly I always mistook the artist for Roy Orbison.  He gets my 10 too... guitar AND vocal chords intertwine...iiiiiin...iiiing....
Posted 8 years ago by maineeclectic    [ Reply ]
Enough said .... 

On_The_Beach wrote:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/23/1a/74/231a7496adafeb52cb158bb1726f8b17.jpg

 


Posted 8 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/23/1a/74/231a7496adafeb52cb158bb1726f8b17.jpg
Posted 8 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
love this one  : )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
I've loved this song since the first time I heard it over 25 years ago. Still feel the same.
Posted 8 years ago by vegangel    [ Reply ]
Great transition from Delerium Innocente.  Bill has an incredible ear.
Posted 9 years ago by Zocket    [ Reply ]
 RobN wrote:
Decent lyrics, great tune, heartfelt and moving vocal performance, fine guitar work and lovely production. If only he could have resisted the temptation to yodel it would have been a straight ten from me.

 
That's not yodeling - it's just a falsetto. Yodeling would be if he quickly oscillated between falsetto and full voice.
Posted 9 years ago by Solanus    [ Reply ]
Takes me back, brilliant track
Posted 9 years ago by Mizy_Wizy    [ Reply ]
 chyk5 wrote:
This song has held up well; seems timeless. 

 
My thoughts exactly. I'm not his biggest fan, but if he never did anything else...
Posted 9 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
Decent lyrics, great tune, heartfelt and moving vocal performance, fine guitar work and lovely production. If only he could have resisted the temptation to yodel it would have been a straight ten from me.
Posted 9 years ago by RobN    [ Reply ]
 Jota wrote:

Write properly please.

 
A DJ on the radio said kids today don't use vowels. Hence artists like STRFKR, MGMT, SBTRKT, etc.

There's even a name for it, disemvoweling!  {#Lol}
Posted 9 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Love it! Thanks for playing
 
Posted 9 years ago by CathyJones    [ Reply ]
Average rating 8.4.  A lot of negative, but certainly many, including me really enjoying this tune.  Boston 1991.  Thanks Bill.
Posted 9 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
This song has held up well; seems timeless. 
Posted 9 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Definitely No 1 on my PSD top 10 list of all time {#Mrgreen} 
Posted 9 years ago by frank_eindhoven    [ Reply ]
 jbuhl wrote:

No sh!t bro.  Not much on RP that gets under my skin but this one is just dripping with to much sap for me {#Rolleyes}

 
That's why there IS a PSD option!!! It's a good tune whether YOU like it or not.
Posted 9 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
 kgage wrote:
Omg!
PSD! 

 
No sh!t bro.  Not much on RP that gets under my skin but this one is just dripping with to much sap for me {#Rolleyes}
Posted 9 years ago by jbuhl    [ Reply ]
This isn't Roy Orbison??
Posted 9 years ago by icuski2    [ Reply ]
The "King" lives. 10 - 4me
Posted 9 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
Perfect.  Will never get old.  
Posted 9 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
love, love love!!!
Posted 9 years ago by CathyJones    [ Reply ]
{#Sleep}
Posted 9 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
Omg!
PSD! 
Posted 9 years ago by kgage    [ Reply ]
Yesssssssss...
Posted 9 years ago by Laurie2k2    [ Reply ]
 kgage wrote:
SRSLY! PSD.

 
SRSLY! EAD.
Posted 9 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
This just never gets old. It just transports me back to 1990.
Posted 9 years ago by ElCamoteLoco    [ Reply ]
 coccyx wrote:
sexiest

song

ever 


+1  


Posted 9 years ago by tfioreze    [ Reply ]
 kgage wrote:
SRSLY! PSD.

 
Write properly please.
Posted 10 years ago by Jota    [ Reply ]
SRSLY! PSD.
Posted 10 years ago by kgage    [ Reply ]
Great song, great voice, great guitar !
Posted 10 years ago by TianGongZhong    [ Reply ]
Outstanding indeed!
Posted 10 years ago by MargoMallen    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:
Ignoring "sexy" I'm thinking that the point was how he's so enamored and she's so not. (edit)
 
Hmm, OK, I'll buy that.
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
People talk about how sexy the video is. The model playing the girlfriend couldn't have looked any less interested in being there; biting her nails, staring off blankly into space and barely staying awake. Is that sexy? (Good song, though.)

 
Ignoring "sexy" I'm thinking that the point was how he's so enamored and she's so not.

But she's a good looking girl, that's for sure. 
Posted 10 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
People talk about how sexy the video is. The model playing the girlfriend couldn't have looked any less interested in being there; biting her nails, staring off blankly into space and barely staying awake. Is that sexy? (Good song, though.)
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
damn every time these goose bumps! {#Bananajam}
Posted 10 years ago by darkblue    [ Reply ]