In 1964, The Rolling Stones' cover of "Not Fade Away", with its strong emph… Read Full Bio ↴In 1964, The Rolling Stones' cover of "Not Fade Away", with its strong emphasis on the Bo Diddley beat, became a major hit in Britain and served as the A-side of the band's first US single.

The Rolling Stones version of "Not Fade Away" was one of their first classic hits. Recorded in late January 1964 and released by Decca on February 21, 1964, with "Little by Little" as the B-side, it was their first Top 5 hit in Great Britain, reaching #3.[2] In March 1964 it was also the Rolling Stones' first single release in the United States, on the London Records label, with "I Wanna Be Your Man" as the B-side (briefly preceded by "Stoned", which had immediately been withdrawn). The single reached #48 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.[3] "Not Fade Away" was not on the UK version of their debut album, The Rolling Stones, but was the opening track of the US version released a month later as England's Newest Hitmakers. It was a mainstay at Rolling Stones concerts in their early years, usually opening the shows. It was revived in that capacity for their 1994-95 Voodoo Lounge Tour.

Personnel

Mick Jagger - vocals, percussions
Keith Richards - guitars
Brian Jones - harmonica
Bill Wyman - bass guitar
Charlie Watts - drums

Not Fade Away
Rolling Stones Lyrics

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I'm gonna tell you how it's gonna be
You're gonna give your love to me
I'm gonna love you night and day
Well love is love and not fade away
Well love is love and not fade away

My love bigger than a Cadillac
I try to show it and you're drivin' me back

Your love for me has got to be real
For you to know just how I feel
Love is real and not fade away
Well love is real and not fade away

I'm gonna tell you how it's gonna be
You're gonna give your love to me
Love to last more than one day
Well love is love and not fade away
Well love is love and not fade away
Well love is love and not fade away
Love, love is love and not fade away

Not fade away
Not fade away

Overall Meaning

The Rolling Stones' hit single "Not Fade Away" was originally written and recorded by Buddy Holly in 1957. It is a song about love, expressed through a series of simple, repetitive lyrics. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer proclaiming that he will be loved by his partner, day and night. The chorus drives home the idea that love is powerful and eternal, and will not dwindle or disappear over time. The final verse is a repetition of the first, as if to emphasize the message once more.

The song is a classic example of the early rock and roll sound that the Rolling Stones helped to popularize in the 1960s. Its simple, upbeat rhythm and catchy melody made it an instant hit, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. The Rolling Stones' version features a driving percussion section and a bluesy guitar riff that underpins the entire song. This version also features Mick Jagger's distinctive vocals, which add a raw and passionate quality to the lyrics.

"Not Fade Away" was a breakthrough hit for the Rolling Stones, helping to establish them as a major force in the world of rock and roll. The song has been covered by countless other artists over the years, including Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. It has also been featured in films, television shows, and even video games.

Not Fade AwayRolling Stones Lyrics

Not Fade Away
Rolling Stones Lyrics