| Joy of a Toy | |
| Cover: | Soft Machine - Joy Of A Toy (single).jpg |
| Border: | yes |
| Caption: | 1968 US issue |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | The Soft Machine |
| Album: | The Soft Machine |
| B-Side: | Why Are We Sleeping? |
| Recorded: | April 1968 |
| Studio: | Record Plant, New York City |
| Label: | Probe |
| Prev Title: | Love Makes Sweet Music |
| Prev Year: | 1967 |
| Next Title: | Soft Space |
| Next Year: | 1978 |
"Joy of a Toy" was the first USA single by the psychedelic rock band Soft Machine. It was released in 1968 to promote the group's debut album The Soft Machine. The single features edited versions of two songs, both being the only known mono mixes from that album. Kevin Ayers would employ the song's title for his debut solo album, Joy of a Toy, a year later, even though it does not feature the song. According to Rob Chapman, the title of the A-side was taken from the name of an otherwise unrelated composition by Ornette Coleman.[1]