Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run)

"Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run)" is a song written by Kenny Laguna and Ritchie Cordell, and originally performed by the American bubblegum pop band Kasenetz-Katz Singing Orchestral Circus in 1971. It is most notably remembered as a hit for the British glam rock band Sweet in 1972, although they initially rejected the song and recorded it under the pseudonym "The Pipkins" to avoid damaging their image. Sweet's version, released under their own name, reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.

The song tells a melodramatic story of a young man, Joey Small, being pursued by a group intending to harm him, presumably because he is involved with a girl they are also interested in. The lyrics urge Joey to run and hide for his safety. The narrative is conveyed through frantic vocals and a driving musical arrangement.

While a commercial success, the song received mixed critical reception. Some found it to be a catchy and energetic bubblegum pop tune, while others criticized its simplistic lyrics and formulaic structure. Despite the criticism, "Quick Joey Small (Run Joey Run)" remains a well-known and frequently played song from the early 1970s, often associated with the glam rock era. It showcases the blending of bubblegum pop sensibilities with harder rock sounds that characterized some music of that period.

The ambiguity surrounding the reason for Joey's pursuit has led to various interpretations over the years, contributing to the song's enduring appeal. The dramatic and urgent nature of the lyrics, coupled with the memorable melody, has made it a staple of classic rock and pop radio stations.