About The Song
This song revolves around the tale of an older man who falls in love with a younger woman but ultimately ends the relationship. It bears a striking resemblance to some of Mick Jagger’s personal experiences, notably his involvement with model Jerry Hall. In the promotional materials for the album, Jagger remarked, “Undoubtedly, one can be just as vulnerable as anyone else. It’s quite absurd to assume that fame or strutting across a stage can shield someone from emotional pain. If you delve into the Rolling Stones’ catalog, I’m certain you’ll uncover traces of vulnerability intertwined with our swagger. Perhaps it wasn’t as apparent in the past, primarily because I’m not inclined to openly share such emotions. I’ve often concealed my feelings with humor. However, during this period, the songs poured out rapidly, and I found myself in a particular state of mind. I did contemplate the depth of some of the lyrics afterward, questioning whether they were excessively personal, but ultimately, I chose to leave them as they were. Keith provided invaluable encouragement… Transforming that vulnerability into songwriting proved to be an immensely cathartic process. It necessitates putting your emotions on paper, scrutinizing them, and deciding what you’re willing to reveal. There’s something profoundly therapeutic about this creative journey; it helped me move beyond the pain.”
Keith Richards chimed in, saying, “I believed it was high time Mick acknowledged his experiences and stepped out of his self-imposed seclusion. I understand the struggle he went through, even if he was reluctant to address it through his music. I, too, grappled with a similar dilemma. As a songwriter, you’re hesitant to burden your audience with your personal narrative. However, you eventually come to realize that you’re not the sole individual experiencing loneliness or difficulties.”
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Lyrics
When love comes so late, it’ll really hit hard
It slams through the gate, it’ll catch you off guard
Everyone said, “What a perfect love match
‘Cause she is so smart, she’s a hell of a catch”I was drinking in love, gulping it down
Drifting for months on a billowing cloud
But after awhile I stopped to rebel
I’m back in the past and I’m raising up hellBut I think I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life
And I think I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my lifeWe’d been living together for over a year
The harmony’s perfect, it rang loud and clear
But then very slowly, my nerves start to fray
The little things big, that’s what they sayI acted impatient, I acted unkind
I took her for granted, I played with her mind
She didn’t deserve it but it was too late
I walked out the door and left her to her fateBut I think I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life
And I think I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my lifeNow I’m down in a slump and I’m eating alone
I’m rueing the day with some friends on the phone
I never go out, I’m becoming a grouch
I just watch the TV and I drink on the couchBut if love comes again, I’ll be really surprised
I’ll grab it real fast, keep it right in my sights‘Cause I think I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life
Well I think I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life
Well I think I’ve just made the biggest mistake of my life