In the world of music, the creative process is often shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Today, we delve into the story behind one of The Rolling Stones' iconic songs, 'Start Me Up,' and the decade-long journey it took to bring it to life.
The Birth of a Classic
'Start Me Up' is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of artistic creation. It all began with a simple idea, a seed planted in the mind of Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones. Little did he know, this idea would take a decade to fully blossom.
Richards' journey as a songwriter is an intriguing one. His first song, 'As Tears Go By,' was born out of a rather unconventional method - being locked in a kitchen by his manager until he wrote something. This early experience set the tone for his creative process, a process that often involved a lot of trial and error.
The Elusive Song
'Start Me Up' proved to be one of those elusive tracks that didn't come easily. Richards described it as a song that took ten years to complete, from its initial conception to its final release. This is a stark contrast to some of his other songs, which seemingly fell out of his brain and onto the recording studio floor.
The song's evolution is a fascinating journey in itself. It started life as a reggae-infused rhythm, went through various stylistic transformations, and eventually found its true identity as a rock 'n' roll anthem. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best art is the result of experimentation and exploration.
A Profitable Hit
'Start Me Up' not only became a fan favorite, but it also proved to be a lucrative venture for The Rolling Stones. The band received a substantial payout from Microsoft, who used the song in an advertisement for Microsoft 95. This deal, worth a staggering $3 million, is a reminder that sometimes, the rewards of creativity can be truly monumental.
Timeless Appeal
Despite its age, 'Start Me Up' has stood the test of time. It remains a crowd favorite, with fans eagerly awaiting its performance at concerts. Even the band members themselves still hold the song in high regard. Mick Jagger, when asked about his favorite Rolling Stones tracks, named 'Start Me Up' as one of the best they've ever produced.
A Decade Well Spent
In retrospect, the decade-long journey of 'Start Me Up' is a fascinating insight into the creative process. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding artistic endeavors are those that require patience, perseverance, and a willingness to explore different avenues.
So, the next time you find yourself struggling with a creative project, remember the story of 'Start Me Up.' It might just take a decade, but the end result could be well worth the wait.
