Old Habits Die Hard

Album: Alfie Soundtrack (2004)
Charted: 45
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart wrote this for the movie Alfie, starring Jude Law as a Manhattan playboy confronted by the loneliness of his hedonistic lifestyle. Stewart, who is famous for his work with Eurythmics, wrote in The Dave Stewart Songbook: "The song reflects what was happening in Mick's life, while also speaking perfectly to the way Alfie was feeling at that moment in the film. Mick wrote these lyrics in the inner voice of Alfie, but also as a reflection of himself." (Read our interview with Dave Stewart.)
  • Along with the rest of the Alfie soundtrack, this was recorded at Abbey Road studios in London, where The Beatles recorded. Jude Law and Sienna Miller (who also starred in the film), stopped by and listened to the sessions. Some footage that Law shot on an 8mm camera made its way into the video.
  • This won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
  • Two versions appear on the soundtrack: one with just Jagger, and another where he is joined by Sheryl Crow. Stewart recorded a new version for the 2008 release of his book and accompanying CD.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.