One of
Snoopy's many
alter egoes in
Charles Schulz's
comic strip Peanuts, originally called the
Big Man On Campus. Joe Cool was a brilliant parody of
college students: he wore
sunglasses and a
sweatshirt all the time, hung around the
dorm on
Saturday afternoons, and constantly made poor attempts at
picking up girls.
B. B. King recorded a song about Joe Cool written by Desiree Goyette, the lyricist of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. The lyrics as published by Goyette:
Joe Cool...startin' today.
Hey, it looks a little cloudy,
But that's okay...'cause he's Joe Cool
Joe Cool...dressin' up right,
Going out to catch a lady to take out tonight.
Put the shades on...precious pearly white;
Lookin' casual, feelin' dynamite.
Joe Cool...struttin' the streets,
Trying to impress each little darling he meets.
He says, "Hey baby...how 'bout a midnight snack?"
She says, "Got a date already; I'll catch you later, Jack."
He says, "Take it easy baby.
Don't come on too strong.
What's your hurry? You got all day long."
Joe Cool...he heads home.
But he's not sure.
Yeah, he's thumbing his finger
Through his little black book.
Now here's one you ain't seen for a while.
You know, the little French cutie
With the little pretty smile.
Dial that number; flash all of your charms
If you want that babe, that baby in your arms.
I said, Joe Cool, well, he got that date.
He showed up not a minute early, not a minute too late.
He sais, "Hey baby...here's a flower for you."
She said, "Come a little closer.
I've got something for you, too."
Keep it light now...playin' by the rules.
Then she slaps him; he feels like a fool.
He says "Hey baby...what did you do that for?"
She says, "You ain't called me
In at least a year or more."
He heads home...but he's no fool.
He may not have a girlfriend but,
At least he's cool...Joe Cool.
Joe Cool...he'll be okay.
Just remember tomorrow is another day.
Oh yes...Joe Cool.
Modified versions of the song made it into the TV specials
There's No Time For Love, Charlie Brown and
You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown.