Blinded By Rainbows by The Rolling Stones

Album: Voodoo Lounge (1994)

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Songfacts®:

This is about the conflict in Northern Ireland. The title refers to the people fighting for something without regard for its consequences.
The Stones recorded this in Dublin.
This is a rare political song by The Stones. They usually sing about lighter topics, like girls.
Jagger sang this in the same style as their 1967 hit "She's A Rainbow."
Lenny Castro played percussion, Benmont Tench played organ. Tench is best known as a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Mick Jagger wrote this while he was working on his third solo album Wandering Spirit. Said Jagger: "I was sort of halfway through with it, and I thought, 'Well, this would be better suited to The Rolling Stones' next album.' It was all kind of in my head, rather than written down. But you know, it's pretty strong. I think it's good to have one like that on the record, it shakes you up a bit. Otherwise all the songs are about girls and cars and immaturity." >>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 13

Manny from New YorkThis song haunting. It's almost all in questions. The allusions to Christ are rare for the Stones but I can't help feel very sincere.
Josevi from Madrid (spain)As a Stones fan my opinion is that Blinded by Rainbows is a fantastic and underrated tune. The lyrics show how great Jagger is as a writer. Vocals, drums, organ and guitar are superb. Suprised with the fact that the band never performed this tune live.
Steve from Alexandria, VaTo "Ray from Florida": I don't think this song is anti religion. I think he may be referring to people using their religious beliefs to justify their actions. People assume that Mick Jagger and also John Lennon are "anti religion", but I have reason to believe that they are/were not. I am also a believer.
Ray from Florida There is a clear reference to religion, Are the Stones anti religion or don’t believe in God? They alluding to no after life…. Do you see the face of Christ? “I doubt it”. Being a believer, I have a hard time with this song. I think its much more than a political statement. Sadly
Jp from Ottawa"They usually sing about lighter topics, like girls."
Uh, Sympathy For The Devil, Dead Flowers, Mothers Little Helper, Sway, Gimme Shelter, Jumpin' Jack Flash, etc, ad nauseum
None of these are particularly light, nor about girls.
Rockgod from Dunellen, NjWhat other genius than Mick Jagger would make a literary allusion to poet John Milton: "Put down paradise as lost..."? Mick is quite the erudite rock star now, idn't 'e?
Susan from Toronto, CanadaMick said (in GUITAR WORLD or GUITAR PLAYER, I forget which) that he was going for a Staple Singers sound with this song, and most likely he meant regarding Pops Staples' unique guitar sound.
John from Johannesburg, South AfricaThis really gets to the depths of your mind and lets the feelings flow
Johnny from Los Angeles, CaThis is a rare political song by The Stones. They usually sing about lighter topics, like girls.

lol
Rory from Victoria, CanadaJust realized something, this is part of the soundtrack for "The Replacements" that stupid keanu reeves movie...What a shame.
Rory from Victoria, CanadaThis song is pure genius...It deserves a great deal more attention then it gets. The song is deep and cuts deep, simply said its an excellant song and I listen to it on a regular basis.
Jake from Toronto, CanadaNot many people realize how good this song really is, because most people who listen to the Stones don't like their slower, softer songs... and anyone who doesn't listen to the Stones would be used to their sex-related lyrics and not even dare listen to their other songs. A great song anyways.
Thomas from Groningen, NetherlandsIsn't the guitar solo of Ronnie Wood f*cking awsome?!

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