The acoustic rock ballad Angie by The Rolling Stones has become an adornment not only of the Goats Head Soup album, but of the entire work of the legendary British band. For almost forty years now, fans have been speculating who is the very Angie to whom the composition is dedicated. The history of the song Angie remains unclear because the accounts of people who were directly or indirectly related to its recording differ.
The history of the song Angie – The Rolling Stones
To begin with, Angie was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in late 1972. This is a lyrical song about ending love. The authors did not explain the meaning of the work, which forced the listeners to fantasize.
The name is known to have been suggested by Richards. Shortly before that, he had a daughter, who was named Angie. Of course, it would be ridiculous to think that Keith could dedicate a ballad on such a subject to a tiny daughter. But it is clear that this name was then constantly spinning in his head, so he could well use it in the lyrics of the song.
On the other hand, in English slang, the word “angie” refers to various hard drugs. In his autobiography, Keith wrote that what he meant was to say goodbye to heroin. Allegedly, he came up with the name of the song in Switzerland, where he was trying to get rid of addiction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlSbQNHHy50
Many believe that the song Angie is dedicated to the first wife of David Bowie, whose name is Angela. She talked about finding Jagger and her husband naked in bed. This gave grounds for gossip to claim that Mick dedicated the song to her, trying to appease and convince her not to make the episode public. But if Richards decided to use Angie’s name, it doesn’t look like the truth.
In addition, versions are known according to which Angie sings about actress Angie Dickinson or even designer Andy Warhol. But then decide for yourself how they can correspond to reality.
Most likely, the heroine of the song did not have a real prototype, or this is a secret that the authors are not going to reveal. Keith Richards’ explanations about parting with drugs look far-fetched. It is possible that with their help he was trying to remove unpleasant suspicions from Mick Jagger.
However, is it really that important? A little mystery didn’t hurt a single musical composition, and let the listeners decide for themselves who or what the song Angie by The Rolling Stones is about.
Release and achievements
The single Angie soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 immediately upon release.
It peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart and topped the charts in Australia and Canada for five weeks.
Angie – The Rolling Stones
Next, you can watch the online music video for the song Angie by The Rolling Stones and listen to a wonderful composition.
Interesting Facts
- In 2005, the Christian Democratic Union of Germany used the song Angie during the election campaign of Ms. Angela Merkel. Interestingly, without the knowledge of The Rolling Stones. A representative of the group later said that they were surprised by this fact, and stressed that they would not have given permission.
- German terrorist Hans-Joachim Klein took the pseudonym “Angie” in honor of the Rolling Stones song.
Angie Lyrics
Angie, Angie, when will those clouds all disappear?
Angie, Angie, where will it lead us from here?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can’t say we’re satisfied
But Angie, Angie, they can’t say we never tried
Angie, you’re beautiful, but ain’t it time we said goodbye?
Angie, I still love you, remember all those nights we cried?
All the dreams we held so close seemed to all go up in smoke
Let me whisper in your ear:
Angie, Angie, where will it lead us from here?
Oh, Angie, don’t you weep, all your kisses still taste sweet
I hate that sadness in your eyes
But Angie, Angie, ain’t it time we said goodbye?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can’t say we’re satisfied
But Angie, I still love you, baby
Everywhere I look I see your eyes
There ain’t a woman that comes close to you
Come on baby, dry your eyes
But Angie, Angie, ain’t it good to be alive?
Angie, Angie, they can’t say we never tried
Angie Lyrics
Angie, Angie, when will all these clouds clear?
Angie, Angie, where does this take us?
When there is no love left in our souls, and money in our pockets,
You can’t say we’re happy with life
But, Angie, Angie, you can’t say we didn’t try.
Angie, you are so beautiful, but isn’t it time for us to break up?
Angie, I still love you, remember all those nights we moaned?
All our dreams that seemed so close have vanished like smoke
Let me whisper in your ear
“Oh Angie, where will this take us?”
Oh Angie don’t cry, all your kisses are still so sweet
The sadness in your eyes is killing me
But, Angie, Angie, isn’t it time for us to part?
When there is no love left in our souls, and money in our pockets
You can’t say we’re happy with life
But Angie I still love you baby
Everywhere I look I see your eyes
There is no woman in the world closer to me than you.
Come on baby dry your eyes
But, Angie, Angie, is it bad to be alive?
Angie, Angie, you can’t say we didn’t try
Song quote
People started saying the song was about David Bowie’s wife, but it was actually Keith who came up with the title. He said, “Angie,” and I thought it had something to do with his daughter. Her name is Angela. And then I just wrote everything else.
Mick Jagger
