Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“Risky Bizness” is one of Kris Kristofferson’s more playful and satirical tracks, appearing on his 1972 album Jesus Was a Capricorn. While much of the album carried a blend of humor, political commentary, and tender balladry, this song stands out for its lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek perspective. Rather than addressing war, addiction, or the struggles of faith, “Risky Bizness” takes a humorous look at relationships, attraction, and the unpredictable consequences of human desire. In contrast to the gravity of songs like “Why Me” or “Good Morning John,” this track showcases Kristofferson’s wit and ability to write with levity without sacrificing substance.
Origins of the Song
The early 1970s marked Kristofferson’s rise as both a respected songwriter and a cultural figure within the outlaw country movement. He was admired for his fearless honesty, whether in songs about social issues or deeply personal confessions. However, he also had a reputation for mischievous humor and quick wit, qualities that surfaced in songs like “Risky Bizness.”
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The song reflects his interest in poking fun at human contradictions—particularly the way people pursue love or passion despite knowing the risks involved. In this sense, it continues the folk and country tradition of using humor to reveal truths about everyday life.
Why Kris Kristofferson Released “Risky Bizness”
Kristofferson released “Risky Bizness” because it added balance to Jesus Was a Capricorn. The album is often remembered for its biting social satire and spiritual depth, but songs like this offered levity and variety. They prevented the record from becoming too heavy and revealed another dimension of Kristofferson’s songwriting voice.
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By including the track, Kristofferson reminded audiences that even a poet of conscience could laugh at life’s absurdities. It was also a way of honoring the country tradition of humorous storytelling songs, which had long been part of the genre’s fabric.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
At its heart, “Risky Bizness” is about the unpredictable, often foolish risks that come with love, lust, and human connection.
Key themes include:
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Romantic Risk: Pursuing relationships can be exhilarating but also dangerous to the heart.
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Human Folly: People repeatedly take risks in love despite past failures, revealing both resilience and foolishness.
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Playfulness: Rather than moralizing, the song treats these risks with humor and affection.
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Universality: The track reminds listeners that everyone, regardless of age or wisdom, is vulnerable to the “risky business” of love.
The song’s charm lies in its balance of truth and humor—it acknowledges the dangers of love while celebrating its inevitability.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
The recording of “Risky Bizness” reflects the playful tone of its lyrics.
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Vocals: Kristofferson delivers the song with a wink in his voice, his gravelly tone softened by humor.
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Instrumentation: A lively country arrangement, featuring guitar, light rhythm, and a relaxed groove that emphasizes the comedic aspect.
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Mood: Lighthearted, fun, and mischievous.
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Style: A blend of country and folk humor, aligning with the tradition of witty narrative songs in Nashville’s history.
The arrangement makes the track feel casual and conversational, as though Kristofferson is sharing a funny story with friends.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “Risky Bizness” was not released as a single and had little impact beyond its role on Jesus Was a Capricorn. However, the album as a whole was important in Kristofferson’s career, particularly because it contained “Why Me,” his most commercially successful single. Within this context, “Risky Bizness” helped lighten the tone of the record and gave audiences a broader picture of his songwriting personality.
Culturally, the song highlights Kristofferson’s versatility. He was capable of writing about war, politics, spirituality, heartbreak, and humor with equal credibility. “Risky Bizness” may not have entered the canon of his most famous works, but it reflects his refusal to be boxed into one style or mood.
Legacy of “Risky Bizness”
Today, “Risky Bizness” is remembered as one of the lighter cuts from Jesus Was a Capricorn, valued by fans who enjoy Kristofferson’s humor. While it is not a signature track in his catalog, it contributes to the richness of his discography by showing that even one of country music’s greatest poets knew how to poke fun at life.
For Kristofferson’s legacy, the song demonstrates that his artistry was not limited to the serious or the spiritual. He could just as easily write songs that made listeners smile while still offering a nugget of truth. “Risky Bizness” ensures that his reputation includes not only the rebel and philosopher but also the wit and humorist.
More broadly, the song endures as a reminder that humor and playfulness are essential parts of the human experience. It reveals that even in an album filled with weighty themes, Kristofferson made room for laughter—an act that is itself a kind of wisdom.
Decades later, “Risky Bizness” remains a charming example of Kristofferson’s ability to balance truth with humor, seriousness with playfulness. It may not be the centerpiece of his catalog, but it adds texture and lightness to a body of work defined by honesty in all its forms.