[2] In 1996, Hewerdine released his own version of the song as a single from his album Baptist Hospital.

"[4] Upon its release as a single, Andrew Mueller of Melody Maker remarked, "There is something intangible about Ms Reader's new single that makes me think that I will hear it in a dark, dusty, deserted wine bar somewhere in the former Soviet Union in about three years time and get annoyed because I can't remember who sang it.

"[5] In a review of Eddi Reader, Ira Robbins of Trouser Press described the song as "sardonic" which "seethes with quiet disdain".

[6] Jon Pareles of The New York Times observed that "love doesn't go smoothly in Ms.

Reader's songs" and noted "Joke (I'm Laughing)" for its narrative of a "spurned woman".