About The Song
This track was recorded at Keith Richards’ villa in the South of France, where The Rolling Stones had retreated to during their “exile” to avoid high taxes in England. The band adopted a rather nocturnal lifestyle during this period, often sleeping through most of the day, then venturing to the nearby casinos in Monte Carlo. They would return to the villa and work on the album until the early morning hours.
The saxophone solo on this track was performed by Bobby Keys, known for his colorful and eccentric personality, which aligned well with the band’s ethos. Keys joined The Stones in France for the recording of “Exile On Main St.” and made significant contributions to the album.
The lyrics of this song are notoriously challenging to decipher, and part of the difficulty arises from their seemingly random nature. In an interview with Uncut Magazine in April 2010, Mick Jagger shed some light on this by explaining that the song was created using the cut-up technique, inspired by the writing style of William Burroughs. Jagger revealed that phrases were written on pieces of paper, cut up, and then randomly selected from a hat to assemble into verses. The result was a disjointed and abstract lyrical composition, with lines like “million dollar sad” having no specific meaning. The band employed this technique because they were struggling to come up with conventional lyrics.
Interestingly, despite being known as the band’s rhythm guitarist, Keith Richards played the bass on this particular track.
Video Song
Lyrics Song
No good, can’t speak, wound up, no sleep
Sky diver insider, slip rope, stunt flyerWounded lover, got no time on hand
One last cycle, thrill freak Uncle Sam
Pause for business, hope you’ll understandJudge and jury walk out hand in hand
Dietrich movies, close up boogies
Kissing cunt in Cannes
Grotesque music, million dollar sadGot no tactics, got no time on hand
Left shoe shuffle, right shoe muffle
Sinking in the sand
Fade out freedom, steaming heat on
Watch that hat in blackFinger twitching, got no time on hand