Let It Loose by The Rolling Stones

Album: Exile on Main St. (1972)

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This song is about a man who is with a woman who he knows will break his heart in due time and that she's more than he can handle. But he can't refuse her because either he's lonely or just using a relationship to get away from other problems. She delivers right on time, gives him what he needs, but in the end it is just the bedroom blues that he will have. Her friends most likely don't even know his name because she has not bothered introducing them since he will not be around for too long. All in all he is not in love with her, and she is no good for him but he says keep the tears back and let it all come down (ie have sex). The character seems to be using sex as an escape.
Backing vocalists were Tamiya Lynn, Dr. John, Clydie King, Vanetta Field, Shirley Goodman and Joe Green. They helped give the song a gospel feel.
This was featured in Martin Scorsese's 2006 film The Departed.
Nicky Hopkins played both the piano and mellotron on this track. >>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France, for all above
In an interview with Uncut Magazine April 2010, Jagger was asked about this song's lyrical content. He replied: "I think Keith wrote that, actually. That's a very weird, difficult song. I had a whole other set of lyrics to it, but they got lost by the wayside. I don't think that song has any semblance of meaning. It's one of those rambling songs. I didn't really understand what it was about, after the event."

Comments: 6

Lisa Demore from PhillyMick Jaggers heart and soul is in this one. The lyrics, although sound like a man pleasing, does not matter… the way Jagger sounds like he is hopeless and ready to just give up brings the whole song to its culmination. A not very well known song, but what a masterpiece. Can you say SOULFUL!?
Corey from MichiganMick has admitted that this was Keith's song and stated that he thought it didn't have meaning. Keith has been quoted as responding that one should never take Mick's recollections too seriously. I think this is key to understanding the lyrics.

The first verse is Keith point of view, basically calling out Mick for being an idiot when it comes to women. "Who's that woman on your arm? All dressed up to do you harm. But of course Keith is "hip to what she'll do."

The second and third verse are from Mick's point of view. He knows he's weak, he knows it won't be good for him but he's helpless anyways.

The last verses are the woman's perspective. She knows what she's what is happening too, she's not in love but she see's her opportunity and is taking full advantage. Let it loose indeed.
Bobby from A Small CitySurely about taking a long satisfying dump
Bernard from Paris, FranceI suspect Keith, not intentionally got inspired from the intro of "Love in Vain" to write the intro. it's only a lead..
The leslie's awesome and great piece of lyrics. One of my 5 favorites stones tracks.
Karen from Kennett Square, PaI think the background singers, while very good, are too overpowering. More Mick, less of them would make the song better. Great horns!
Mchael from Winston-salem, NcThe song was also featured in Kevin Spacey's portrayel of Bobby Darin in the film 'Beyond the Sea'. The song is played at a point where Darin is having problems with his wife Sandra Dee. With it's slow beginning and frenetic middle - ending - the song is the perfect compliment to the scene.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

JeopardyGreg Kihn Band

"Jeopardy" by The Greg Kihn Band got the Weird Al treatment with "I Lost On Jeopardy." Kihn and Jeopardy game show announcer Art Fleming both appear in the video.

Crocodile RockElton John

Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" borrows a bit from Don McLean's "American Pie." Both songs feature a Chevy, and are about young people who are heartbroken when their music "dies."

Islands In The StreamKenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

"Islands in the Stream" was originally written by The Bee Gees as an R&B song. It was originally written by the brothers for Marvin Gaye, however it was recorded instead as a duet by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton with the Gibb Brothers also contributing vocals.

Every Breath You TakeThe Police

Sting wrote "Every Breath You Take" at the same desk in Jamaica where Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels.

Open Your HeartMadonna

The kid in Madonna's "Open Your Heart" video became a successful songwriter. His songs include Amy Winehouse's "You Sent Me Flying" and James Blunt's "1973."

All Through The NightCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper's hit "All Through The Night" was written and originally recorded by Jules Shear, who also wrote "If She Knew What She Wants" by the Bangles.