Behind The Song: The Emotional Ride of The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses”

Podcast: Behind The Song
Host: Janda Lane | The Drive | Hubbard Radio
Release Date: June 5, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Behind The Song, host Janda Lane delves deep into the creation and legacy of The Rolling Stones’ poignant track, “Wild Horses.” Exploring the tumultuous period leading up to its inception, Lane uncovers the intricate personal dramas and historical events that shaped the song’s emotional depth.

The Rolling Stones’ Turbulent Times Before “Sticky Fingers”

The late 1960s were a period of significant upheaval for The Rolling Stones. During the recording sessions for their eighth studio album, Let It Bleed (1969), founder Brian Jones' severe drug addiction rendered him unreliable. This turmoil culminated in the audition and subsequent hiring of Mick Taylor in May 1969, followed by Jones' tragic death a month later, as noted at [00:33].

Mick Jagger faced personal heartbreak when his girlfriend, Marianne Faithfull, succumbed to grief over Jones' death, leading to her coma from an overdose. Concurrently, Keith Richards welcomed his first child, Marlon, with Anita Pallenberg in August 1969—a relationship previously entangled with Jones, adding to the band’s complex interpersonal dynamics. As Lane summarizes, "a tangled web indeed" [00:45].

Financial strains plagued the Stones during this period, primarily due to Jones' erratic behavior and legal issues, which had previously hindered their ability to tour the United States. With Jones gone, the band could finally enter the US, a prospect both exhilarating and daunting for Richards, who expressed reluctance about touring as a new father [01:12].

The Birth of “Wild Horses”

Amidst these challenges, Keith Richards began strumming the chords that would become “Wild Horses.” Simultaneously, Jagger grappled with the end of his relationship with Faithfull, who left him for Italian artist Mario Schifano—a connection Pallenberg also shared [02:30]. This period of personal loss and uncertainty provided the emotional backdrop for the song’s creation.

In early December 1969, after concluding their US tour, The Rolling Stones entered Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. Here, they recorded demos, including “Wild Horses.” An interesting anecdote from the sessions involves Ian Stewart, the band’s co-founder, who refused to play the song’s sad minor keys on the piano, leading to Jim Dickinson stepping in with an upright honky-tonk tack piano [03:15].

The Altamont Speedway Free Festival and Its Impact

Shortly after recording, The Stones participated in the infamous Altamont Speedway Free Festival on December 6, 1969, intended as the "Woodstock West." Despite the massive attendance of over 300,000, the event descended into chaos, marred by violence and culminating in the tragic stabbing death of fan Meredith Hunter during the Stones' performance [04:00].

The Stones’ association with the Hells Angels for security led to escalating confrontations, leaving the band traumatized by the day’s events. This disaster significantly impacted the band’s trajectory, casting a shadow over their subsequent endeavors [04:45].

“Wild Horses” and The Flying Burrito Brothers

In the aftermath of Altamont, Graham Parsons of the Flying Burrito Brothers discovered the “Wild Horses” demo. Recognizing its potential, Parsons’ band recorded and released the song as the final track on their 1970 album, Burrito Deluxe, marking one of the few instances The Stones permitted another band to release their material prior to their own version [05:30].

Although initially dismissed by The Stones for lack of promise, “Wild Horses” soon found its rightful place on Sticky Fingers within a year, cementing its status as a classic in rock history.

Lyrics and Emotional Resonance

Lane provides a lyrical analysis, highlighting how “Wild Horses” reflects the personal struggles of both Jagger and Richards. The song’s evocative lines, such as:

"Childhood living is easy to do
The things you wanted, I bought them for you
Graceless lady, you know who I am
You know I can't let you slide through my hands
Wild horses couldn't drag me away"

capture the essence of loss, love, and commitment. Jagger acknowledges that while many believe the song is about Marianne Faithfull, he clarifies that it draws from a broader spectrum of personal experiences during a tumultuous time [07:20].

Keith Richards’ contribution, particularly the line “Wild horses couldn't drag me away,” stems from his reluctance to tour with a newborn son, embodying the song’s deep emotional conflict [07:45].

Sticky Fingers: A Milestone Album

Released in 1971, Sticky Fingers marked The Rolling Stones’ first album to reach number one on both UK and US charts, eventually achieving multi-platinum status. The album is renowned not only for its musical prowess but also for its iconic cover art conceived by Andy Warhol. Featuring a functional zipper on a pair of jeans, the cover became emblematic of the band's rebellious spirit, despite initial retail issues due to the zipper’s fragility [09:10].

Additionally, Sticky Fingers introduced the world to The Stones’ famous lips and tongue logo, designed by John Paisch. Suggested by Jagger to evoke the Hindu goddess Kali, this logo has since become one of the most recognizable symbols in music history [09:45].

The Legacy of “Wild Horses”

While “Wild Horses” is not frequently performed live by The Rolling Stones, each rendition is treated with the reverence befitting its emotional depth. Lane notes that live performances of the song offer a rare glimpse into the band’s vulnerability, making each occurrence a special moment for audiences [10:30].

Conclusion

“Wild Horses” stands as a testament to The Rolling Stones’ ability to channel personal turmoil into timeless music. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Janda Lane masterfully captures the song’s origins, emotional weight, and enduring legacy. As she poignantly reflects, “The death of Brian Jones, a love gone wrong with Marianne Faithfull, a rock star grappling with becoming a new father and a concert that ended in tragedy. It's all there in Wild Horses” [11:45].

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Janda Lane [00:12]: "The most delicate song in the entire Rolling Stones catalog, with Mick Jagger delivering every single line of 'Wild Horses' with an impassioned wait."
• Janda Lane [02:30]: "It was a tangled web indeed."
• Janda Lane [07:20]: "He did say that the song is very personal to him and that it sounds as evocative and sad as it does, because, in his words, it was quite a heavy time."
• Janda Lane [07:45]: "Keith Richards harmonizes with Jagger on the chorus, and it sounds so emotive and wistful because he said he wrote that title line, 'Wild horses couldn't drag me away.'"

Final Thoughts

Janda Lane's exploration of “Wild Horses” provides a rich, multifaceted understanding of the song’s creation and significance. For classic rock enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this episode offers invaluable insights into one of The Rolling Stones’ most heartfelt compositions.

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