Start me up
Keith Richards/Mick Jagger Lyrics
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But you won't tell me how
Lately I'm finding it tricky
With your picture plastered all over town
Friends pick you up in conversation
Just to see how I'll react
I get this internal lacerations
That jack me up and lay me out flat
But I can't throw my life away
I can't give the game away
You just wandered off the stage
And left me dealing with the pain
So don't call me up
Oh when you want to cry
'cause I might let you down
Don't call me up
On some rainy night
'cause I might let you down
Let you down
People ask have you seen her
I say not for a while
I'm gonna see my girlfriend
Way down in Argentina
We're gonna have a blast for a while
But I see you in my inner eye
Touch me with a gentle smile
Wonder if you catch my mood
Can you feel my solitude
So don't call me up
Oh when you want to cry
'cause I might let you down
Don't call me up
When some other guy
Hangs your heartstrings out to dry
As the waves crash around
And the stars hit the ground
I'll be out of my mind once again
As the rain lashes down
And the stars can't be found
I will hold my head high
Don't call me up [cont]
And just gaze at the sky
I was under your spell
And you took me to hell
Don't call me up
If you want to cry
I might let you down
Don't call me up
If you want some lie
I might let you down
Might let you down
Might let you down
Might let you down
I was trying to forget you
Yeah
But you won't tell me how
Now you're out all over town
You're plastered all over town
Plastered all over town
The lyrics of "Start Me Up" by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger delve into the aftermath of a breakup and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. The singer is candid about their efforts to forget about their former partner, only to be continuously reminded of them by friends and memories that resurface when confronted with their presence in conversation and around town. The singer acknowledges the internal turmoil they feel when faced with these reminders, likening it to "internal lacerations" that leave them emotionally vulnerable and drained.
Despite the pain and difficulty of letting go, the singer recognizes that they cannot allow the past to consume them entirely. They express a sense of resignation and acceptance that their former partner has moved on, leaving them to grapple with the residual heartache and longing. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and helplessness, as the singer struggles to come to terms with their emotions and make sense of their current reality.
The chorus serves as a defiant declaration of independence and self-preservation. The singer sets boundaries by urging their ex-partner not to reach out for comfort or solace in moments of weakness or nostalgia, warning that they may not be able to provide the support or reassurance that is sought. The repeated refrain of "I might let you down" highlights the internal conflict between wanting to maintain a distance and the lingering feelings of attachment or empathy that persist despite the pain of the breakup.
As the song progresses, the singer conveys a sense of moving forward and creating new experiences to distract themselves from the past. Mentioning plans to visit a girlfriend in Argentina and seeking solace in the beauty of nature, the singer attempts to find solace and escape from the memories that haunt them. The imagery of crashing waves, falling stars, and inclement weather reflects the tumultuous emotions and inner turmoil that accompany the process of healing and letting go. Ultimately, the song captures the complexity of navigating through the aftermath of a breakup, the conflicting emotions of longing and detachment, and the struggle to find closure and peace in the face of heartbreak.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MICHAEL (MICK) JAGGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leokimvideo
As a kid in the 80's when this song came out I thought wow those old guys are still making music. And look 40 years on they still are and now really old guys
@candidoj
Now we know that 38(Mick at this time) is still a very young age.
@nimim.markomikkila1673
I got into the Stones in 1982, being 11 myself. I was laughing at them, because they were SO OLD (in their 40´s). Now, I´m 52, and they are still doing it in their 80´s. I´m not laughing at them anymore;)
@henriqueerenner5741
Now they are realising a new album
@gleegirloz
I got into them in 1964 and have loved them ever since. I’m now 70 and have seen many great artists. Nothing beats the excitement of a ‘Stones show!
@GailColeman
As the saying goes, we need to think about the kind of world we want to leave to Keith Richard's! 😅
@tribalbaroque
The moments where Charlie smiles at 1:13-1:15, 1:43-1:45, 2:26-2:28 and 2:47-2:49 are the best part of this video! It's like Mick, Keith and Ronnie are the little kids acting crazy up front, whereas Charlie and Bill are the grownups watching on in amusement. Who knows what Charlie had to put up with, and it seems like he did so with so much grace and elegance. He's not trying to draw attention to himself, but because he isn't, he is the most alluring! He doesn't even seem like he's in the right band, but his quiet and gentle demeanor holds everything together, just like a drummer is supposed to do. RIP Charlie.
@greg62945
I'm going to redo my songs and smile.
@whome4642
Couldn’t have said it better.
@sean1121970
It's rock and roll - what's with the long winded psycho analysis?