About the song
Released in 1981, “Start Me Up” is a song that has become synonymous with the Rolling Stones’ iconic sound and style. The song, which was originally recorded in 1975, was reworked and re-released as the lead single from their album Tattoo You. The song’s catchy refrain and infectious rhythm quickly made it a fan favorite, and it has since become one of the band’s most beloved and enduring songs.
The song’s origins date back to the Rolling Stones’ 1975 album Black and Blue, where it was recorded as a reggae-rock track called “Never Stop”. However, the song was abandoned after dozens of takes, and it wasn’t until 1981 that it was re-recorded and reworked into the song we know today.
The song’s writer, Keith Richards, has spoken about the song’s evolution, saying that it was one of those tracks that “you can play forever and ever in the studio”. The song’s producer, Chris Kimsey, has also spoken about the song’s recording process, saying that it took about six hours to record, with the band jamming and improvising to create the song’s signature sound.
The song’s lyrics, sung by Mick Jagger, are a classic example of the band’s ability to craft catchy and memorable hooks. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “start me up”, is one of the most recognizable and iconic in rock music.
“Start Me Up” has been a staple of the Rolling Stones’ live shows for decades, and it has been featured on numerous live albums and concert films. The song has also been included on several of the band’s compilation albums, including Rewind, Jump Back, Forty Licks, and GRRR!.
The song’s impact on rock music cannot be overstated. It has been covered by numerous artists, and its influence can be heard in everything from punk rock to heavy metal. The song’s iconic riff, played by Keith Richards, is one of the most recognizable in rock music, and its influence can be heard in countless other songs.
In conclusion, “Start Me Up” is a timeless rock anthem that has become synonymous with the Rolling Stones’ iconic sound and style. The song’s catchy refrain, infectious rhythm, and memorable lyrics have made it a fan favorite for decades, and its influence can be heard in everything from punk rock to heavy metal. Whether you’re a die-hard Rolling Stones fan or just a casual listener, “Start Me Up” is a song that is sure to get you moving and grooving.
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Lyrics
If you start me up
If you start me up, I’ll never stop
If you start me up
If you start me up, I’ll never stop
I’ve been running hot
You got me wrecking, gonna blow my top
If you start me up
If you start me up, I’ll never stop
Never stop, never stop, never stop
You make a grown man cry
You make a grown man cry
You make a grown man cry
Spread out the oil, the gasoline
I walk smooth, ride in a mean, mean machine
Start it up
If you start me up
Kick on the starter give it all you got, you got, you got
I can’t compete
With the riders in the other heats
If you rough it up
If you like it you can slide it up
Slide it up, slide it up, slide it up
Don’t make a grown man cry
Don’t make a grown man cry
Don’t make a grown man cry
My eyes dilate, my lips won’t wait
My hands are greasy, she’s a mean, mean machine
Start it up
Start me up
Ah, give it all you gotta
You gotta to never, never, never stop
Slide it up, woo!
Oh, baby, just slide it up
Slide it up, slide it up, never, never, never
You make a grown man cry
You make a grown man cry
You make a grown man cry
Ride like the wind at double speed
I’ll take you places that you’ve never, never seen
Start it up
Let me tell you, we will never stop, never stop
Never, never, never stop
Start me up
Never stop, never stop
You, you, you make a grown man cry
You, you make a dead man come
You, you, you make a dead man come
You, you, you make a…