Album: Hackney Diamonds (2023)
Charted: 34
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Angry" is the lead single from The Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds album. Released on September 6, 2023, this track is the Stones' first original music since 2020's "Living In A Ghost Town." Hackney Diamonds is their first full-length, original record in 18 years, dating back to A Bigger Bang in 2005.
  • The song paints a picture of a romance teetering on the edge of oblivion. Mick Jagger is caught in a storm of emotion, wrestling with his own fury and torment while trying to soothe his partner's anger.

    Don't get angry with me
    I never caused you no pain
    I won't be angry with you
    But I can't see straight


    Jagger's scratching his head, bewildered by the rage. He's got a sinking feeling this love boat's hit the rocks, and he needs some downtime to mend his battered heart. But deep down, he's still got the hots for her, even if their ship has sailed.
  • The lyrics drop hints of personal demons, shadows lurking at the doorstep, and a mouth worn out from speaking their truths. Why's she gotta be so mad?

    The wolf's at the door with the teeth and the claws
    My mouth's getting sore, I can't take anymore
    Ah, why you angry with me?
    Why you angry?
    Calling out my name
    Hear the rain keep beating
    On my window pane


    It's a wild scene – wolves at the door, rain pelting the glass – mirroring the relentless turmoil both inside and out.
  • "Anger" is a roller coaster of passion and fury, love and resentment. Jagger's line in the outro, "let's go out in a blaze," signals a readiness to end their story with a fiery grand finale.
  • The classic Stones songwriting duo of Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards joined forces with the track's producer, Andrew Watt (Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, Post Malone, Justin Bieber) to pen "Angry."
  • The video stars actress Sydney Sweeney (The White Lotus, Euphoria) in the back of a red convertible car. As she's driven through the Los Angeles streets, large billboards featuring The Stones come alive.

    Francois Rousselet directed the video. His credits include work with Nike, Diesel, Pharrell Williams, Liam Gallagher and The Stones' version of Little Walter's "Ride 'Em On Down" from their 2016 Blue & Lonesome album.
  • Hackney Diamonds takes its name from the East London neighborhood of Hackney that is known for its creative spirit and gritty charm. The album's title reflects the band's own energy and excitement as well as their appreciation for the diversity and vitality of London.

    "It got called 'Hackney Diamonds' because we were flinging ideas around for titles, and we went from 'Hit And Run' [to] 'Smash And Grab,' Keith Richards told host Jimmy Fallon during a live press conference at the Hackney Empire. "And somehow, between that, we came up with 'Hackney Diamonds' which is like a variation of both."

    The term "Hackney Diamonds" is a slang term for broken glass, which is often found on the streets of Hackney after a night of partying. "It's like when you get your windscreen broken on Saturday night in Hackney, and all the bits go on the street," said Jagger, "that's 'Hackney Diamonds.'"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Carol Kaye

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Annie Haslam of Renaissance

Annie Haslam of RenaissanceSongwriter Interviews

The 5-octave voice of the classical rock band Renaissance, Annie is big on creative expression. In this talk, she covers Roy Wood, the history of the band, and where all the money went in the '70s.