Some songs spark energy, but this one ignites it. Start Me Up is pure swagger, drive, and adrenaline, making it a defining anthem from one of the most legendary classic rock artists.
With its unforgettable riff and electrifying vocals, this track captures the essence of rock ‘n’ roll in its rawest form.
Decades later, it still fuels crowds, playlists, and stadiums with the same unstoppable force.
- Writers: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
- Album: Tattoo You (1981)
- Producer: The Glimmer Twins (Mick Jagger & Keith Richards), Chris Kimsey
📝 Background & Meaning:
“Start Me Up” was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and released as the lead single from The Rolling Stones’ album Tattoo You in 1981.
It became one of the band’s most recognizable songs and remains a staple of their live performances.
Interestingly, “Start Me Up” began as a reggae-influenced track during the recording sessions for their 1976 album Black and Blue.
The band shelved it after struggling to capture the right vibe. Years later, while revisiting old tapes for Tattoo You, producer Chris Kimsey stumbled upon the song.
The Stones reworked it into the now-familiar hard rock anthem with Keith Richards’ legendary guitar riff front and center.
Lyrically, the song is full of innuendo and double entendre, blending themes of lust, energy, and unstoppable drive.
While many interpret it as a sexual metaphor, Jagger has stated it can also be about the unstoppable momentum and energy of rock ‘n’ roll itself.
🎤 Key Themes:
- Raw Energy and Excitement: The song captures the electric thrill of living in the moment and embracing raw passion.
- Endurance and Drive: The repeated refrain, “You make a grown man cry,” speaks to overwhelming power and intensity.
- Sexual Innuendo: The lyrics are drenched in playful metaphors for physical and emotional exhilaration.
- Timeless Rock Spirit: It celebrates the spirit and vitality of rock ‘n’ roll as a driving force in life.
🎧 Notable Lyrics:
“If you start me up / I’ll never stop.”
- Represents endless momentum and energy, with a touch of playful bravado.
“You make a grown man cry.”
- Suggests an overwhelming emotional or physical experience.
“Ride like the wind at double speed / I’ll take you places that you’ve never, never seen.”
- A metaphor for uncontrollable passion and adventure.
🎸 Musical Highlights:
- Iconic Guitar Riff: Keith Richards’ opening riff is one of the most recognizable in rock history, setting the stage for the entire song.
- Mick Jagger’s Vocals: His swaggering, confident delivery captures both excitement and playfulness.
- Charlie Watts’ Steady Beat: Watts’ tight drumming anchors the song, driving it forward with precision.
- Dynamic Energy: The song maintains relentless momentum, never letting up from start to finish.
- Classic Rock Structure: Simple yet powerful, the song showcases The Rolling Stones’ mastery of rock ‘n’ roll essentials.
🌍 Cultural Impact:
- “Start Me Up” became one of The Rolling Stones’ biggest hits, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The song is a staple at sports events, often played to pump up crowds due to its infectious energy.
- It was famously used in Microsoft’s Windows 95 launch campaign, introducing the song to a new generation.
- The track is regularly performed live at Rolling Stones concerts, often serving as an electrifying opener.
- “Start Me Up” remains a symbol of vitality, energy, and the timeless power of rock music.
🎤 “Start Me Up” Fun Fact:
- The song started as a reggae experiment before being transformed into a hard rock anthem.
- When Microsoft licensed the song for Windows 95, it was one of the first major uses of a rock song in tech marketing, reportedly costing millions of dollars.
- Mick Jagger once joked that the song’s sexual innuendos were so strong that it was “almost too rude to release.”
🔑 What It Represents:
“Start Me Up” isn’t just a song—it’s an anthem of unstoppable energy, passion, and rock ‘n’ roll vitality.
It represents:
- The enduring power and charisma of The Rolling Stones.
- A universal anthem for energy, excitement, and drive.
- The magic of simplicity—a killer riff, confident vocals, and a steady beat.
- The iconic sound of 1980s rock music.
With its infectious guitar riff, swaggering vocals, and irresistible energy, “Start Me Up” remains one of the most iconic rock anthems ever recorded, proving that The Rolling Stones’ magic never fades. 🎶🔥🎸
🎶 Why It Still Resonates Today
Energy like this never fades. Start Me Up continues to resonate because it embodies momentum, excitement, and pure rock passion.
Whether blasting through stadium speakers, opening a concert, or hyping up a crowd, its timeless rhythm never fails to deliver.
Musically, its simple yet explosive riff, steady beat, and confident vocals make it one of the most instantly recognizable tracks from classic rock artists.
The Rolling Stones perfected the art of effortless cool, and this song remains a shining example of their ability to turn simplicity into magic.
🔚🎶🔥 Closing Statement
Some songs get old—Start Me Up never stops.
With its iconic riff, fiery vocals, and relentless energy, it remains a rock staple that refuses to slow down.
Turn it up and let the music take over. 🎶🔥🎸
