Album: Black And Blue (1976)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the only track on Black And Blue that was not recorded at Musicland in Munich. It was done in their mobile studio in Rotterdam in January 1975.

    The album title is a popular one - other acts who have released records with this bruising label include Lou Rawls (1962), Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (1973), Gene Harris (1991), and Backstreet Boys (2000).
  • "Melody" is more of a jazz-themed song on an album that has a variety of styles, including reggae and funk. Charlie Watts used brushes on his drums.
  • Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings covered this song in 1998 with Peter Frampton playing the guitar solo. Which is interesting because Peter Frampton was among the auditioned guitarists jockeying for Mick Taylor's old spot in The Rolling Stones.
  • Billy Preston played piano and organ, and sings lead on the track with Mick Jagger. The song was originally listed as "inspired by" Billy Preston, but when Wyman covered the song, he just straight credited it to Preston.

Comments: 7

  • Ghanson from Dallas TxThe verse “Took her out dancing…..” really bugs me….

    When it gets to the line: Looking for her high and low, like a…….what?

    “A mustard for a ham?!?” Seriously?!? It can’t be that. But that’s what everyone writes down. I know it sounds like that, but that’s the stupidest line….and it just doesn’t make sense.

    I think it’s “Like a rooster for a hen….”

    Now THAT fits. Anyone?
  • Anonymous 2I wish Rolling Stones fans to read CD booklets, because they have no hearing and they can't tell Clapton from Frampton ))
  • AnonymousDoes anyone’s dog howl to this song?
  • Zabo from Pugh, Pa.It's been said that Billy Preston did the foot stomp you hear on the song. Billy used to pimp out his hair and had a big Afro. He said Jagger & Keef used to make fun of his Afro. All in good fun though.
  • Frank from Boise, IdBill Wyman's Rhythm Kings recorded this song in 1998 with Georgie Fame on vocals/organ and Peter Frampton doing the guitar solo.
  • Melody from Jacksonville, Fli checked this song out because the title is the same as my name. my first name, not second...
  • Ted from Loveland, CoRecorded in January, 1975. Released in 1976 on the album Black & Blue.
    Lead Vocal: Mick Jagger Vocal Harmony: Billy Preston Guitars: Keith Richards Bass: Bill Wyman Drums: Charlie Watts Piano & Organ: Billy Preston Foot Stomp: Mick Jagger
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.