The Chauffeur

"The Chauffeur" is a song by the English pop rock band Duran Duran, released on 10 May 1982 as the final track on their second studio album, Rio. Written and performed by the lead vocalist Simon Le Bon and the keyboardist Nick Rhodes, the song originated from a poem Le Bon had written prior to joining the band and was developed into an electronic arrangement during recording sessions at AIR Studios in London.

"The Chauffeur" is noted for its ghostly and unconventional arrangement, blending art pop, synth-pop, art rock, gothic rock, and dub with orchestral elements. It features a sparse electronic soundscape with found sounds and an ocarina solo, and is structured around synthesisers and drum machines without contributions from other band members. Critics have described it as a stylistic outlier within Rio, contrasting its subdued and haunting tone with the album's more energetic tracks. The lyrics are abstract and impressionistic, with interpretations ranging from a stream-of-consciousness portrayal of imagery to a narrative about obsession.

Upon its release, "The Chauffeur" received a negative response. However, retrospective assessments have been more favourable, with critics praising the song and some considering it one of Duran Duran's best. Despite not being released as a single, it has gained popularity over time and developed a cult following among fans. A music video directed by Ian Emes was produced for the song, noted for its stylised imagery and limited broadcast due to its content.