"Ballad of Cleo and Joe" is a song by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, released as the third single from her fifth studio album, Sisters of Avalon (1996).

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "It is downright criminal that Lauper's current Sisters Of Avalon set is not a huge hit.

It's chock-full of rhythm-smart, lyrically sharp jams like "The Ballad Of Cleo And Joe", which sparks with a credible house beat and an enthralling tale of a couple just trying to get by in the naked city.

Lauper's sterling composition is enhanced by the time-sensitive post-production of Ernie Lake and Bobby Guy, who juice up the bassline, tweak the chorus, and mold a few simple refrains into rousing riot chants.

Having dropped her Betty Boop mannerisms, she sounds earthier than usual, giving "Cleo & Joe"—an homage to a drag queen—the gospelish feel of early Donna Summer.