Hold On To Your Hat

Album: Steel Wheels (1989)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Stones guitarist Ron Wood played bass on this song. Stones bass player Bill Wyman had to deal with the press after announcing his engagement to 18-year-old Mandy Smith, and was not available. Wyman, who started seeing Smith when she was 13, divorced her soon after their marriage.
  • Mick Jagger played some guitar on this, partly out of necessity because Wyman was out.
  • Jagger had most of this written when he met Keith Richards in Barbados to work on Steel Wheels in 1989.

Comments: 1

  • Chelsea from Nyc, OrThe screeching leadguitar is by Keith Richards.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.