About The Song

Love embodies the term “bitch,” without singling out any particular woman. Mick Jagger drew inspiration from numerous relationships, one of which was his separation from Marianne Faithfull. This occurred during their time in Australia in late 1969 while Mick was involved in the filming of Ned Kelly. Following Marianne’s recovery from a suicide attempt, Mick ended their relationship.

The Stones recorded this song, along with several others on the album, at the Stargroves estate in Hampshire, England, utilizing their mobile recording unit under the supervision of engineer Andy Johns. Keith Richards joined the effort at Stargroves after his fellow band members had struggled with the song’s pace. According to Johns, the song felt lethargic until Richards picked up his guitar. “When he took out his clear Perspex guitar and increased the tempo,” Johns explained, “the song shifted from a lackluster state to becoming all about the rhythm. It was an instantaneous transformation. Once Keith began playing, he molded the song into its intended form.”

Despite its somewhat provocative title, this song became one of the Rolling Stones’ more popular tracks, frequently included in their live performances. Although it was never released as a single, it received substantial airplay on rock radio.

In 1974, Elton John broke through on pop radio with “The Bitch Is Back,” challenging conventional norms. The song reached #4 in the US. Together with “Under My Thumb,” this did little to improve the Stones’ reputation with women’s groups.

The album cover was designed by Andy Warhol and featured a close-up photograph of a man wearing jeans complete with an actual zipper. The zipper caused issues during shipping as it could scratch the record. It was eventually discovered that opening the zipper before shipment would minimize the damage.

See also  Night Rider – Elvis Presley

 

Keith Richards, in a conversation with Rolling Stone, commented, “It may sound effortless, but it’s quite intricate. There’s a unique bridge to be mindful of. Apart from that, it’s the straightforward rock and soul that we cherish. It’s Charlie Watts’ quintessential style.”

This track features Bobby Keys on saxophone and Jim Price on trumpet, both of whom contributed horns to The Stones’ albums and tours during the early ’70s.

In 1997, the Goo Goo Dolls covered this song as part of the compilation album No Alternative.

The album’s title, “Sticky Fingers,” alludes to the inclination of someone who is prone to theft, aligning well with the rebellious image cultivated by The Stones.

Song Video

Lyrics

Feeling so tired, can’t understand it
Just had a fortnight’s sleep
I’m feeling so stuffed, I’m so distracted
Ain’t touched a thing all week

I’m feeling drunk, juiced up and sloppy
Ain’t touched a drink all night
I’m feeling hungry, can’t see the reason
Just had a horse meat pie

Yeah when you call my name
I salivate like a Pavlov dog
Yeah when you lay me out
My heart is beating louder than a big bass drum, alright

Yeah, you got to mix it, child, you got to fix
It must be love, it’s a bitch
Yeah, you got to mix it, child, you got to fix
It must be love, it’s a bitch, alright

Sometimes, I’m sexy, move like a stud
Like kicking the stall all night
Sometimes, I’m so shy, got to be worked on
Don’t have no bark or bite, alright

Yeah, when you call my name
I salivate like a Pavlov dog
Yeah, when you lay me out
My heart is bumping louder than a big bass drum, alright

I want it, woo
I said, hey, yeah, get alright now, get it
Got to be
Hey, I’ll get alright now, get it
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, yeah
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, yeah
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, yeah
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, yeah, get on
Hey, hey, hey