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

Keith Reid of Procol Harum

Keith Reid of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

As Procol Harum's lyricist, Keith wrote the words to "A Whiter Shade Of Pale." We delve into that song and find out how you can form a band when you don't sing or play an instrument.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.