Twisted (Annie Ross song)

"Twisted" is a vocalese jazz standard written by Wardell Gray (music) and Annie Ross (lyrics). It is based on Gray's 1949 instrumental bebop composition of the same name. Annie Ross added lyrics in 1952, turning it into a witty and psychologically insightful song delivered from the perspective of a patient undergoing psychoanalysis.

The lyrics are a humorous and somewhat self-deprecating monologue, listing various perceived neuroses and quirks, all while maintaining the assertion that the narrator is simply "twisted." The song satirizes the perceived fads and intellectual trends surrounding psychoanalysis in the 1950s. The narrator references different theories and treatment methods, ultimately concluding that their own "twisted" perspective is perhaps not so abnormal after all.

Annie Ross originally recorded "Twisted" in 1952, and it became one of her signature songs. It gained further popularity through versions by Joni Mitchell (1974) and Bette Midler, among others. These later recordings broadened the song’s appeal beyond the jazz audience. The song remains a popular piece for vocal jazz performers and is often praised for its clever lyrics and challenging vocal performance. The fast tempo and intricate melody require considerable vocal agility and precision.