About the song
“Start Me Up,” a classic by the legendary English rock band The Rolling Stones, stands as a quintessential example of their enduring musical prowess and innovative spirit. Released in 1981 as the lead single from their album Tattoo You, the song quickly became a global phenomenon, reaching the pinnacle of charts in various countries and cementing its place as one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
Originally conceived during earlier recording sessions in the mid-1970s, “Start Me Up” began as a reggae-infused piece titled “Never Stop.” However, despite multiple attempts, the band set it aside, only to rediscover its potential years later. In 1981, amidst preparations for a new tour, the song was resurrected from the archives. With the help of engineer Chris Kimsey, The Rolling Stones breathed new life into the track, infusing it with a vibrant rock vibe that would define its final form.
The recording process itself was characterized by the band’s trademark improvisational style. Taking approximately six hours to complete, “Start Me Up” exemplifies The Stones’ ability to evolve songs through jam sessions rather than structured composition. Keith Richards’ distinctive guitar riff, coupled with Charlie Watts’ steady percussion and Bill Wyman’s resonant bass, forms the song’s backbone, while Mick Jagger’s dynamic vocals and lyrical playfulness add a layer of infectious energy.
The song’s release was accompanied by a music video directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, a visual testament to its widespread appeal and cultural impact. It quickly became a staple on MTV, marking a pivotal moment in music video history. “Start Me Up” soared to the top of charts worldwide, including a notable three-week stint at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it their biggest hit of the 1980s in that country.
Beyond its commercial success, “Start Me Up” has remained a mainstay in The Rolling Stones’ live performances. Opening countless concerts over the decades, it has become synonymous with the band’s electrifying stage presence and enduring legacy. The song’s enduring popularity is underscored by its inclusion in numerous live albums and concert films, ensuring its place in rock history.
Critically acclaimed and universally loved, “Start Me Up” encapsulates The Rolling Stones’ ability to blend infectious melodies with raw, unbridled energy. Its lasting impact on both popular music and culture at large reaffirms its status as not just a song, but a timeless anthem that continues to captivate audiences around the globe.
Video
Lyrrics
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…