The Rolling Stones’ Paradox: When Weirdness Becomes Timeless
There’s something deeply ironic about Mick Jagger calling Paint It, Black ‘weird.’ After all, this is the same man who’s built a career on defying conventions, both musically and culturally. But his recent comments about the song’s enduring popularity—1.7 billion Spotify streams and counting—reveal a fascinating tension at the heart of The Rolling Stones’ legacy.
The Weirdness of Timelessness
What makes Paint It, Black so intriguing isn’t just its unconventional chord sequences or Brian Jones’ haunting sitar riff. It’s the fact that a song Jagger himself describes as ‘weird everything’ has become the band’s most streamed track. Personally, I think this speaks to a broader truth about art: what feels strange or out of place in its time often becomes the most enduring.
From my perspective, the song’s odd mood and experimental structure are precisely why it resonates across generations. It’s a reminder that the most impactful art often defies explanation. Jagger’s bemusement is almost endearing—here’s a man who’s been at the forefront of rock ’n’ roll for decades, yet he’s still puzzled by what makes a song stick.
The Jagger-Richards Dynamic: A Recipe for Gravy
Keith Richards’ comment about their creative partnership—‘We are very different people and that’s what makes the gravy’—is more than just a clever quip. It’s a blueprint for longevity in any collaborative endeavor. What many people don’t realize is that the tension between Jagger’s polished showmanship and Richards’ raw, blues-driven authenticity is what gives The Stones their edge.
If you take a step back and think about it, this dynamic mirrors the band’s music itself: a blend of the refined and the rebellious. Their new album, Foreign Tongues, is no exception. With guest appearances from Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood, and Robert Smith, it’s clear the band is still pushing boundaries while staying true to their roots.
Ronnie Wood: The Unsung Peacemaker
One detail that I find especially interesting is Ronnie Wood’s role as the band’s ‘glue.’ His self-deprecating humor about being the ‘icing’ to Keith’s ‘cake’ belies his importance. In the ‘80s, when Jagger and Richards were on the brink of splitting, Wood stepped in as peacemaker. This raises a deeper question: how many bands owe their survival to the quiet diplomacy of a third member?
What this really suggests is that the unsung heroes of rock history are often the ones who keep egos in check. Wood’s contribution isn’t just musical—it’s emotional and structural. Without him, The Stones might have been just another footnote in rock history.
Brian Jones: The Tragedy of Talent and Pressure
Jagger’s reflections on Brian Jones are particularly poignant. ‘Some people should be very careful about going into show business,’ he says, and I couldn’t agree more. Jones’ story is a cautionary tale about the pressures of fame, especially in an era when the line between artist and celebrity was still blurry.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Jones’ struggles highlight the darker side of the music industry. His dismissal from the band and subsequent death at 27 are a stark reminder of the toll that fame can take. Jagger’s sympathy for Jones feels genuine, and it’s a rare moment of vulnerability from a man who’s often portrayed as invincible.
The Blues: The Eternal Wellspring
Richards’ love letter to American blues in Ringing Hollow is more than just a nod to the past. It’s a statement about the enduring power of a musical form that’s both limited and limitless. ‘You’re telling me you can get more out of this thing?’ he asks, and the answer is a resounding yes.
In my opinion, the blues is the backbone of rock ’n’ roll, and The Stones’ ability to continually draw from it is what keeps their music fresh. It’s also a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel—sometimes, it’s about digging deeper into what already exists.
The Weirdness of Success
Returning to Paint It, Black, Jagger’s confusion about its popularity is almost existential. ‘For that to be your most streamed song… kind of weird, don’t you think?’ he asks. And he’s right—it is weird. But that’s the beauty of it. The song’s weirdness is what makes it timeless.
If you ask me, this is the ultimate irony of The Rolling Stones’ career: the song they find most perplexing is the one that’s defined their legacy. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of art and the enduring appeal of the unconventional.
Final Thoughts
As The Stones continue to evolve with Foreign Tongues, their past remains as relevant as ever. Jagger’s musings on Paint It, Black aren’t just a trip down memory lane—they’re a reflection on what makes art last. Personally, I think the band’s greatest achievement isn’t their longevity, but their ability to remain fascinating.
What this really suggests is that the key to timelessness isn’t perfection, but authenticity. The Stones have never been afraid to be weird, and that’s why they’re still here, decades later, puzzling over their own success. If you take a step back and think about it, that’s the most rock ’n’ roll thing of all.
