Far Away Eyes by The Rolling Stones

Album: Some Girls (1978)

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In "Far Away Eyes," Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger tells a story about driving through Bakersfield, California, on a Sunday morning, listening to gospel music on the radio as he's headed to see a girl. He said this really happened, and all he did to write the song was recall his experience.
Bakersfield's country and western scene (led by Buck Owens) was a big influence on this song, as well as the gospel programs on Los Angeles radio stations. In a 1978 interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Jagger said, "You know, when you drive through Bakersfield on a Sunday morning or Sunday evening, all the country music radio stations start broadcasting black gospel services live from LA. And that's what the song refers to. But the song's really about driving alone, listening to the radio." Asked if the girl in the song was a real one, Jagger replied, "Yeah, she's real, she's a real girl." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France
The twangiest song on the Some Girls album, "Far Away Eyes" was used as the B-side of a very different song: the disco-infused "Miss You," which was the album's first single and biggest hit.

Comments: 17

AnonymousThis is one of my all time faves! Anyone know if it ever hit the country charts?
Ted Waterhouse from San Luis Obispo CaliforniaYep, a great send up of the Bakersfield sound alright. Being a guitar player myself, I've got to disagree with the guy who says that Ron Wood isn't playing steel guitar. I'd say he definitely Is. He just isn't playing it real well. Still, it totally works for the song.
Ysub from Swedenoutstanding , lyrics of another world...tunezero,this is stones..whats it all about..blues...reggae..C&W..oneofakind song but even so the essence of stones
Winner Watson from Hawkesbury Sydney I heard when this song came out that the Stones being a rock band were having a bit of a laugh at Country music but as it turns out it was a big success and a popular production.
I am sure no one in the Stones plays pedal steel guitar and it didn’t look like it in the clip.They would have had a steel player doing that for sure.
Watch his hands. Not playing steel guitar
Rjay from Redwood, CaThe girl with the far away eyes is Pamela Fletcher. She was personal assistant to Diana Ross when Diana lived in Malibu. Pam was a hottie but ever so slightly cross-eyed. Jagger chased after her but as far as I know she never let
him come inside, though he could make honey, baby .... ala King Bee.
Lisa from Phoenix, AzI think the girl is a "working girl". Mick says the song is about driving alone...hmmmm, and a working girl is real
"I had an ARRANANGEMENT TO MEET A GIRL, and I was kind of late. And I thought by the time I got there she'd be off
SHE'D BE OFF WITH THE NEAREST TRUCK DRIVER SHE COULD FIND. Much to my surprise, there SHE WAS SITTIN IN THE CORNER A LITTLE BLEARY, WORSE FOR WEAR AND TEAR..."
And Sam, if you mean sarcastic when you say ironic, yes. I do believe so. That's what is awesome about the song, in my opinion at least.
Dane from Lima,ohio, FlThe best song on "Some Girls".The Stones in the country,complete with twangy steel guitar.I've always loved it.
Rocket from New Orleans, La The king of Bakersfield was Buck Owens. One of Owens biggest hits was Cryin' Time. He didn't have much of a hit with it but Ray Charles did. The chorus goes, "It's cryin' time again you're gonna leave me. I can see that far away look in your eyes." Far Away Eyes is an homage to the Bakersfield sound and I'm pretty sure that's the reference. It also fits with Keith's wry sense of humor; the idea that he's taking up with Buck's girl. It also explains why Mick said that she was a real girl because she was real in the sense that she exists in a quintesential Bakersfield song.
The song goes on, "You say you found someone you love better. That's the way it's happened everytime before." I think that Keith is saying that when you're down, don't look for true love, but find someone to share your misery. In short, the irony is lost on me.
John from Lakeland, Fl"And the preacher said, 'You know you always got the Lord by your side'! And I was so pleased to be informed of this that I ran twenty red-lights in his honor. Thank you Jesus, thank you Lord". That always cracks me up!
Jp from Cincinnati, OhIf you listen close, you can almost see the smartass grin on Jagger's face as he sings the lyric! Parody? You bet! Dont worry, it's OK to laugh at ourselves once in a while. This tune is a classic...God Bless The Stones!
Don from B G, KyI think they a doing a PARODY of country music. The thing is they pull off a pretty catchy song. Talent will always win out
Tony Brown from Adelaide, -Love that Ronnie Wood slide guitar. The man's a genius. I was really glad that he joined The Stones after Mick Taylor left coz while Taylor's a pretty good player,he never really seemed to fit in properly. Keep Rolling Stones (forever):)
Cindy Bollinger from Anaheim, CaThis song reminds me of my step father, Andy. He intoduced me to the Rolling Stones and he loved this song...lots of smiles when listening
Martha from Santa Maria, CaLOVE this song! In 1978 it was so much fun to find this song mixed in with their other stuff. And even if Buck Owens and the Bakersfield sound are the underpinnings I have always beleived that it was Gram Parson's friendhsip with Keith Richards that brought this out of the band. It is totally ironic as someone else posted. I think Mick sound like Gomer Pyle though on this but that adds to the fun for me. It's a great social commentary on radio/TV evangelists and Bakersfield and truckstops and drugs and musicians.
Sam from Shanghai, ChinaDoes anyone else think the Stones were being ironic in this song?
Susan from Toronto, CanadaMick Jagger's accent in this song has been identified as the unique Bakersfield country accent, and Ron Wood said he plays slide guitar (on this and other songs)in the unique Bakersfield slide guitar style. The Bakersfield slide style is considered to emit a sharper sound versus Nashville's more mellow sound.
Justin from Singapore, SingaporeOne of the reasons I love the Stones. They aren't afraid to try anything. Blues, reggae, country, psychedelic, disco .. it's all rock n roll in their hands. As for the this song, I'm really curious as to who's that girl with those 'faraway eyes.'

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