"Poker Face" is a song written by Lady Gaga, and producer RedOne in January 2008 from her album, The Fame. It serves as the second single from the album, and was released in late 2008 for certain markets, and in early 2009 for the rest of the world. The song is an uptempo dance song, following in the footsteps of her previous single, "Just Dance", but has a darker musical tone. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Lady Gaga's second number one hit, and also made two consevutives number ones in a row after Just Dance.

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Writing and inspiration

Lady Gaga wanted to write a song her boyfriend would like, forming the main idea behind the song being about bisexuality and was a tribute by Gaga to her rock 'n' roll boyfriends. Lyrically "Poker Face" is about sex and gambling. Gaga was inspired by her days as a New York City go-go dancer, and is one of her favorite songs of the album. The term, "Poker Face", represents the tricks she used to fool man, and sometimes woman that she was into them, so they would throw money at her. There is also an ambiguous part with "He's got me like nobody" and "She's got me like nobody" in the chorus, which caused some undertone of confusion about love and sex. According to BBC, the "Mum-mum-mum-mah" hook used in the song is copied from Boney M's 1977 (jobs) hit, "Ma Baker". When RLT Boulevard asked Gaga about the hook, she replied: "I love Boney M so perhaps subconsciously it came out in the song". During Rango Tanga, Lady Gaga admited that Kiss FM was the only radio station to correctly censor the song during the chorus when she replaces "poker face" with "fuck her face". Although not in the official lyrics, the switch can be heard every second repetition of the phrase during the chorus. Some TV channels have also censored it.

Composition

"Poker Face" is an uptempo dance-pop song, and follows the footsteps of the previous single "Just Dance". Whereas "Just Dance" was predominately electropop, "Poker Face" carries a dark sound with clear vocals on the chorus and a pop hook while combining the synths from "Just Dance" and the more dance-oriented beat of the next single "LoveGame". According to Kerri Mason of Billboard, the composition "carr[ies] the pleather-and-sequins vibe of the downtown New York scene out of the underground and onto the FM dial without losing its smut and sass." According to the sheet music published in Musicnotes.com by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, the song is set in the time signature of common time, with a moderate tempo of 120 beats per minute. It is written in the key of G-sharp minor with Gaga's vocal range spanning from the low-note of F♯3 to the high-note of B4. It begins with a medium tempo followed by electronic chord arrangement and the "Mum-mum-mum-mah" hook. The chords follow in this order, G♯m–E–F♯–G♯m–E–F♯. This is followed by the sound of dance music, produced by a powerful beat from the instruments and a stuttering hook following the chorus.

Reference in popular culture

In the "Whale Whores" episode of South Park , Eric Cartman sang this song while playing Rockband.

, Eric Cartman sang this song while playing Rockband. The acoustic version of the song was covered by the Fox musical comedy television series, Glee , by Idina Menzel and Lea Michele, on the episode "Theatricality".

, by Idina Menzel and Lea Michele, on the episode "Theatricality". Christopher Walken did an acapella version of the song on Saturday Night Live .

. The song was used during the promotions for the movie, Easy A .

. Nick Knight featured a remixed version of the song for a SHOWstudio short film, Tonight Matthew… .

. The song can be heard playing in the Simpsons Season Finale commercial promo for "Lisa Goes Gaga".

The song was used in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief when the main characters are drugged in a casino.

when the main characters are drugged in a casino. "Weird Al" Yankovic parodied the song in his song, "Polka Face". This rendition was registered onto Gaga's BMI on November 5, 2013.

Commercial release

"Poker Face" was released as the second single from The Fame. The song was critically acclaimed and achieved worldwide popularity topping the charts in 20 countries, making it even more successful than her debut single, "Just Dance". In addition, it has reached the top ten in many other countries including her native U.S.A., where it has peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, thereby making it Lady Gaga's second U.S. top three hit. Along with her former chart topper in the seventh position the same week Poker Face entered the top ten, Gaga accomplished the rare feat of placing her first two single releases simultaneously in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. It has also topped the US dance charts.

Physical release

Australia (1789813)

Label:

Format: Slimline jewel case

Released: October 25, 2008

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 602517898134

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" 3:58 2. "Just Dance" (Robots to Mars Mix) 4:37

France (1796466)

Label:

Format: Cardboard

Released: January 26, 2009

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 602517964662

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" 3:58 2. "Poker Face" (Glam As You Club Mix by Guéna LG) 7:51 3. "Poker Face" (Dave Audé Remix) 8:12

Germany (UNI700356)

Label:

Format: Slimline jewel case

Released: February 20, 2009

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 0602527003566

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" 3:58 2. "Just Dance" (RedOne Remix) (feat. Colby O'Donis & Kardinal Offishal) 4:19

Poker Face (LTD. Premium Single) (UNI700355)

Label:

Format: Jewel case

Released: February 20, 2009

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 602527003559

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" 3:58 2. "Just Dance" 4:04

Note: This premium single has a small poster included.

Poker Face (Enhanced CD) (00602517964990)

Label:

Format: Jewel case

Released: February 24, 2009

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 602517964990

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" 3:58 2. "Poker Face" (Space Cowboy Remix) 4:53 3. "Just Dance" (Robots to Mars Mix) 4:37 4. "Poker Face" (Music video) 3:39

United Kingdom (2703459)

Label:

Format: Slimline jewel case

Released: April 13, 2009

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 602527034591

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" 3:58 2. "Poker Face" (Tommy Sparks & The Fury Remix) 3:58

United States — The Remixes (B0012715-22)

Label:

Format: Jewel case

Released: March 10, 2009

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 602517965393

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" (Space Cowboy Remix) 4:25 2. "Poker Face" (Jody den Broeder Remix) 8:07 3. "Poker Face" (Dave Audé Remix) 8:12 4. "Poker Face" 3:58 5. "Poker Face" (Instrumental) 3:58

United Kingdom (2703458)

Label:

Format: 7" vinyl in a transparent plastic

Released: April 13, 2009

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 602527034584

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

Side A (45RPM)

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" 3:37

Side B (33RPM)

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" (Space Cowboy Remix) 4:55

United States — The Remixes (B0012716-11)

Label:

Format: 12" vinyl in a cardboard sleeve

Released: March 10, 2009

Catalog #: N/A

Barcode: 602517965379

Photography: Meeno

Design: Irene Silva

Side A (45RPM)

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" (Space Cowboy Remix) 4:53 2. "Poker Face" (Jody den Broeder Remix) 8:05

Side B (33RPM)

# Name Time 1. "Poker Face" (Dave Audé Remix) 8:12 2. "Poker Face" 3:58 3. "Poker Face" (Instrumental) 3:58

Dave Audé Dub — 7:23

Dave Audé Radio Edit — 3:50

Dave Audé Remix — 8:13

Glam As You Club Mix — 6:41

Glam As You Radio Mix — 3:49

Jody den Broeder Dub — 8:02

Jody den Broeder Radio Edit — 4:21

Jody den Broeder Remix — 8:05

LLG vs. GLG Radio Mix — 4:01

Space Cowboy Remix — 4:54

Tommy Sparks & The Fury Remix — 3:59

Performances

Lyrics

Album version

Mum mum mum mah

Mum mum mum mah

Mum mum mum mah

Mum mum mum mah



I wanna hold em' like they do in Texas plays, (Ay)

Fold em' let em' hit me, raise it, baby stay with me

(I love it)

LoveGame intuition play the cards with spades to start,

And after he's been hooked,

I'll play the one that's on his heart



Oh, woah, oh, oh, oh-oh-e-oh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Oh, woah, oh, oh, oh-oh-e-oh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot, show him what I've got



Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)



P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(Mum mum mum mah)



I wanna roll with him a hard pair we will be (Ay)

A little gambling is fun when you're with me

(I love it)

Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun

And baby when it's love,

if its not rough it isn't fun (fun)



Oh, woah, oh, oh, oh-oh-e-oh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Oh, woah, oh, oh, oh-oh-e-oh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot, show him what I've got



Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)



P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(Mum mum mum mah)



(Mum mum mum mah)

(Mum mum mum mah)



I won't tell you that I love you

Kiss or hug you

Cause I'm bluffin' with my muffin

I'm not lying

I'm just stunnin'

With my love-glue-gunning (Mah)



Just like a chick in the casino

Take your bank before I pay you out

I promise this, promise this

Check this hand 'cause I'm marvelous



Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)



Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)



Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)

Can't read my, can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

(She got me like nobody)



P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(She got me like nobody)



P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(Mum mum mum mah)



P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face

(Mum mum mum mah)

Acoustic version

I wanna hold em' like they do in Texas plays

Fold em' let em' hit me raise it baby stay with me

LoveGame, intuition.

Play the cards with spades to start,

And after he's been hooked,

I'll play the one that's on his heart



Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot, show him what I've got



Can't read my,

Can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

He's got me like nobody

Can't read my

Can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

She's got me like nobody



P-P-P-Poker face, P-P-Poker face

P-P-P-Poker face, P-P-Poker face



I wanna roll with him a hard pair we will be

A little gamblin' is fun when you're with me

Russian roulette is not the same without a gun

And baby when it's love,

if it's not rough it isn't fun



Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

(and I) Want you to know

Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh

I'll get him hot, show him what I've got



Can't read my,

Can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

He's got me like nobody

Can't read my

Can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

She's got me like nobody



P-P-P-Poker face, P-P-Poker face

P-P-P-Poker Face, P-P-Poker face



I won't tell you that I love you

Kiss or hug you

'cause I'm bluffin' with my muffin

I'm not lyin' I'm just stunnin' with my love-glue-gunnin'

Just like a chick in the casino

Take your bank before I pay you out

I promise this, promise this

Check this hand 'cause I'm marvelous



I'm marvelous

I'm marvelous

I'm marvelous

So marvelous



Can't read my,

Can't read my

No he can't read my poker face

Music video





Development

The music video for "Poker Face" premiered on NewNowNext PopLab, on October 29 2008 . It later premiered on UK music channels on February 17, 2009. The music video is directed by Ray Kay , and aided by Anthony Mandler. The video was filmed at the luxury villa on "Bwin PokerIsland". Bwin also provided the poker equipment, and obtained product placements in return. It is the only music video fromto be uploaded on Lady Gaga's VEVO account in 4:3, as the rest of the music videos from the era were widescreen (except for " Beautiful, Dirty, Rich ", which was cropped on her VEVO account).

Originally, Kay had intended to shoot the "Poker Face" video on a beach in Ibiza, with Gaga emerging from the surf "sort of like Halle Berry in 'Die Another Day'. " At the last minute, that plan was scrapped, which left the director scrambling to find a suitable location. They finally found a Malibu mansion (bwin PokerIsland), and, over the course of one very long day, the video was shot on 3 October, 2008. Gaga explained in the nineteenth episode of her "Transmision Gagavision" series, the main idea behind the music video of "Poker Face". She said that "I knew I wanted it to be sexy, so I thought no pants, because that's sexy, [...]And I knew I wanted it to be futuristic, so I thought shoulder pads, because that's my thing."

Images

Photography by Meeno Peluce.





Synopsis and fashion credits

Scene 1

The music video takes place by a pool, located on an ocean side villa. The video begins with Lady Gaga emerging out of the pool with a shiny masquerade and black leotard. She throws the mask aside and the song begins with a facial shot of Gaga singing the first verse. Gaga wears a metallic sticker on her left cheek in this shot. The video also features two harlequin great danes and several white mannequins on her swimming pool deck who are supposedly playing her servants.

Lady Gaga wears a catsuit, mask and glasses by Haus of Gaga, boots by Givenchy and gloves by Ines. During the next scene, Gaga wears boots by Betsey Johnson.

Scene 2

Gaga attends a wild party where every man and woman tries their luck on a strip poker game. The party gets wilder when all the party's guests strip down to their underwear, dance around, and share kisses with each other. The next scene is a lounge sofa with a man and Gaga featuring a hair bow with a nude bodysuit. The following one is Gaga dancing poolside with her dancers in a futuristic turquoise leotard with shoulder pads.

Lady Gaga wears a metallic capsleeve dress by Antonio Berardi, an acrylic shoulder piece by Mike Feeney, lace angular patchwork leggings by Brian Lichtenberg, boots by Givenchy, a Bri-Angle necklace by Alex & Chloe (Brian Lichtenberg) and a ring by Swarovski.

Scene 3

The video also shows Gaga in her trademark Pop Culture sunglasses while sitting beside the pool. The video ends with the head shot of Gaga singing the Mum-mum-mum-ma hook.

Director's cuts

The main version can be found on Lady Gaga's Vevo and iTunes. In the "TV Edit" version of the video, the words "Russian", "gun", and "muffin", are censored out by the "mum-mum-mum-ma" hook, and depending on the channel, "fuck her face" is changed to "poker face". There are seven director cuts of the video, all coming from Ray Kay's website. The "1st Rough Cut" and the second cut feature the words "FX: Tilt Up To Stars" in the end. The "1st Rough Cut" is the same length as the album version of the song, while other cuts are as long as the main video, lacking a chorus and outro. All cuts are similar to the final cut of the video, with the same concept and general theme, however, there are a few scenes that were added, while some were taken out. The images in the LCD-glasses in the released version of the video are photoshopped. In all seven cuts these images were exactly the same, but different to the final version.

Behind the Scenes and Making of

Credits

Song

Personnel

All instruments played and programmed — RedOne

Recorded — RedOne at Record Plant (Hollywood, California, )

Publishing

Stefani Germanotta P/K/A Lady Gaga (BMI) Sony/ATV Songs, LLC/ House of Gaga Publishing, LLC / GloJoe Music Inc. (BMI)



Sony/ATV Songs, LLC/ Songs of RedOne, LLC (BMI)



Music video