About the song
In the realm of rock and roll, few bands have achieved the legendary status of The Rolling Stones. With their electrifying stage presence, rebellious attitude, and timeless music, they have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape for over six decades. Among their extensive discography, the song “Mixed Emotions” stands as a prime example of their enduring brilliance.
Released in 1989 as the lead single from their Steel Wheels album, “Mixed Emotions” marked a triumphant return to form for the band. After a period of internal strife and waning popularity, the Stones regrouped, delivering a song that captured the essence of their raw energy and emotional depth.
Mick Jagger’s signature vocals, infused with both vulnerability and swagger, weave a tale of love’s complexities. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship, where passion and doubt intertwine, creating a whirlwind of “mixed emotions”.
Keith Richards’ masterful guitar work provides the song’s backbone, with his bluesy riffs and soulful solos perfectly complementing Jagger’s impassioned delivery. The rhythm section, anchored by Charlie Watts’ steady drumming and Bill Wyman’s rumbling bass, provides a solid foundation for the song’s emotional intensity.
“Mixed Emotions” is not just a rock anthem; it’s a universal human story. The song’s themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a testament to the Stones’ ability to craft music that transcends time and genre, speaking to the very core of the human experience.
The song’s enduring popularity is evident in its numerous live performances and cover versions by artists across various genres. “Mixed Emotions” has become a staple of the Stones’ live setlist, captivating audiences with its raw energy and emotional resonance.
“Mixed Emotions” is a masterpiece from a band that has defined rock and roll. It’s a song that encapsulates the essence of love’s complexities, with its blend of passion, doubt, and vulnerability. With its timeless lyrics, electrifying music, and universal themes, “Mixed Emotions” is sure to continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
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Lyrics
Button your lip, baby
Button your coat
Let’s go out dancing
Go for the throat
Let’s bury the hatchet
Wipe out the past
Make love together
Stay on the path
You’re not the only one
With mixed emotions
You’re not the only ship
Adrift on this ocean
This coming and going
Is driving me nuts
This to-ing and fro-ing
Is hurting my guts
So get off the fence now
You’re creasing your butt
Life is a party
Let’s get out and strut, yeah
You’re not the only one
With mixed emotions
You’re not the only ship
Adrift on this ocean
You’re not the only one
That’s feeling lonesome
You’re not the only one
With mixed emotions
You’re not the only one
You’re not the only one
Let’s grab the world
By the scruff of the neck
And drink it down deeply
And love it to death
So button your lip, baby
Button your coat
Let’s go out dancing
Let’s rock-and-roll
You’re not the only one
With mixed emotions
You’re not the only ship
Adrift on this ocean
You’re not the only one
That’s feeling lonesome
You’re not the only one
With mixed emotions
Mixed emotions, yeah
You’re not the only one
You’re not the only one
[?]
You’re not the only one
[?] together
You’re not the only one
Gotta button my [?]
You’re not the only one
Fooling around
You’re not the only one