Leather Jacket
Taylor Mick Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You and your lady are the king and the queen
Rock and roll circus, it's the best I've ever seen
All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
All you have left of your rock and roll dreams

Whoa, put your leather jacket on
Now it's time to be movin' on

You know your lady's like a movie star queen
She's late for her mornings, never wakes from her dreams
I gave her love and I gave her my money
I said, "No thanks, I can't get hooked on ya honey"

Put your leather jacket on
Now it's time to be movin' on

You think you're funky and you think your so tough
Sometimes you're disgusted 'cause you just can't get enough
Think your gonna go back to sunny California
Ride the waves on the cool blue water

Put your leather jacket on
Whoa, yeah, put your leather jacket on

All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
All you have left of your rock and roll dreams

Whoa, yeah, put your leather jacket on

And you move through your world as if it was a dance
You never keep your fortune that you made in the south of France
All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
All you have left of your rock and roll dreams

Put your leather jacket on
Now it's time to be movin' on
Whoa, yeah, put your leather jacket on
Now it's time to be movin' on
Whoa, yeah, put your leather jacket on

All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
All you have left of your rock and roll dreams

Overall Meaning

In Taylor Mick's song "Leather Jacket," the lyrics depict an image of two people, the king and the queen of the rock and roll circus. The song reflects on their style through their leather jackets and faded jeans which they remain attached to despite their rock and roll dreams being in the past. The song talks about how the singer gave his love and money to the queen but realized that he couldn't get hooked on her. The chorus repetition of "put your leather jacket on, now it's time to be movin' on" expresses a sense of nostalgia for past dreams and times, yet the need to move forward and leave the past behind.

Furthermore, the lyrics hint at the queen's narcissistic tendencies, always feeling like a movie star and never waking from her dreams. The singer portrays himself as a victim of her charm but also indicates that he is aware of her shallow nature. The bridge talks about the king's futile search for satisfaction, always wanting more and never being content with what he has.

In summary, "Leather Jacket" by Taylor Mick is a nostalgic reflection on the past and a call to move on from it. The leather jackets and faded jeans represent a symbol of the rock and roll dreams that once were, now only a faint memory.

Line by Line Meaning

You and your lady are the king and the queen
The couple is the epitome of rock and roll and commands the attention of those around them

Rock and roll circus, it's the best I've ever seen
Their group of friends and acquaintances is full of interesting and unique people who make life exciting

All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
Their fashion sense is inspired by the rock and roll lifestyle

All you have left of your rock and roll dreams
As they've grown older, they have not been able to continue living the rock and roll lifestyle they once envisioned

Whoa, put your leather jacket on
It's time to get ready for the next adventure and to embrace their rock and roll identity

Now it's time to be movin' on
It's time to leave the past behind and focus on the future

You know your lady's like a movie star queen
The woman is gorgeous and commands attention wherever she goes

She's late for her mornings, never wakes from her dreams
She lives life to the fullest and doesn't let trivial things bother her

I gave her love and I gave her my money
The artist tried to win her over with his affection and material things

I said, "No thanks, I can't get hooked on ya honey"
Despite his efforts, he decided not to pursue her because he knew she would be too much for him to handle

You think you're funky and you think you're so tough
The person thinks of themselves as a rebel and a nonconformist

Sometimes you're disgusted 'cause you just can't get enough
Despite living a wild and carefree lifestyle, there are moments of dissatisfaction and emptiness

Think you're gonna go back to sunny California
They're considering returning to a place that represents their wild past

Ride the waves on the cool blue water
They dream of living the wild and free life of their youth

And you move through your world as if it was a dance
They go through life with style and grace, as if they're always performing

You never keep your fortune that you made in the south of France
Despite having wealth, they don't hold onto it for long and instead use it to fund their wild lifestyle

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICK TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

johnny zell

6y↑8

You and your lady are the king and the queen
Of the rock and roll circus, that's the best I've ever seen
All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
All you have left of your rock and roll dreams
Whoa, put your leather jacket on

Though it's time to be movin' on
You know your ladies like a movie star queen
She's late for her mornings, never wakes upon her dreams
I gave her love and I gave her my money
I said "no thanks, I can't get hooked on ya honey"
Put your leather jacket on

Know it's time to be movin' on
You think you're funky and you think your so tough
Sometimes you're disgusted, 'cause you just can't get enough
Think your gonna go back to sunny California
Ride the waves on the cool blue water
Put your leather jacket on
Whoa, yeah, put your leather jacket on

All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
All you have left of your rock and roll dreams
Whoa, yeah, put your leather jacket on
And you move through your world as if it was a dance
You never keep your fortune, that you made in the south of France

All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
All you have left of your rock and roll dreams
Put your leather jacket on
Know it's time to be movin' on
Whoa, yeah, put your leather jacket on

Know it's time to be movin' on
Whoa, yeah, put your leather jacket on
All your leather jackets and your faded jeans
All you have left of your rock and roll dreams

All comments from YouTube:

Richard Fweeler

7y↑32

Its a a fresh faced album and shows Mick”s young outlook at the time... I have had this album for years and years and always rated it ….sadly he never did another one as good, obviously some of the tracks relate to his input on the Stones album right before he left, they missed him and to be honest he missed them we missed them together more ...they were definitely the best rock and roll band at that time. Glad you made it through your dark times Mick .

Daniel Oconnell

45w

Good statement, wasn’t this an unreleased stones song.🤷‍♂️ research it before you answer. I haven’t but I think it was.

MadTango

13y↑13

I like how this song flows. Relaxing and uplifting at the same time.

Mike

46w

True

benbeck1

7y↑28

Genius at work. Mick Taylor, imho one of the very best lead guitarist this country has produced.

Luileadolfo

3y↑14

Why can a song as good as this one, be rejected by The Rolling Stones in favor of some mediocre songs ? This song had all the elements to be a huge hit.

Mark Gillespie

2y↑1

The Stones. Could not have done as good a job on this as Mick Taylor did on his own

harvey1954

2y↑2

Because Mick Taylor was smart enough not to kick back some of his royalties to the Glimmer Twins. Look what they did to Bill Wyman's "Jumpin' Jack Flash".

Mike

52w

You got that right buddy

What’s your plan Stan

47w↑1

You don’t mean how, you mean why.

Peter Mills

42w

Unfortunately after 5 years in the making this is just about the only good song on the Album ☹️

Terry Carthy

5y↑9

Hope, from one human being to another, that Mick realizes how truely adored and loved he is. Never really understood why he walked away but that's him.

Jeff Jones

When your music is basically stolen and you get no credit it’s easy to walk away when he left the stones became mainstream and commercialized and after with shit later like start me up

Jeff Jones

I’m glad Taylor stayed true to his music

James Bowen

2y↑1

He might have stuck around if Mick and Keith would have paid him a few bucks once in a while.

jayeburney

12y↑9

I bought this album...still have it, he is so under rated!!!!

Bill Hagen

12y↑24

mick taylor one of the greatests of all times.

SeaLisa

4y↑2

GOAT

john Roberts

48w↑3

bought the album and in the late 90s met mick and had him autograph my copy along with exile and a vhs copy of CS blues....very cool moment in my life being a huge stones fan ...met billy preston around the same era maybe a year earlier....unbelievable

johnny zell

6y↑8

Jeffrey Lyons

5y↑6

I bought this album on vinyl in 1979 when it came out.

Richard Crowell

4y↑4

Three minutes and forty one seconds...Mick's song about being a Stone...God bless them all.

harvey1954

I always thought it was about the Rock and Roll Hall of Shame clowns, but it was written before that crap.

Rev Eddro

8y↑11

Great frickin' album

rankoutsider

11y↑2

Yeah self-titled debut lp. I didn't know about this record. Thanks. But I been listening to an instro version of this song from his Stones era for ages. It's long been a favorite. And I always was frustrated that they never released it... as an instrumental 'cause I didn't know there ever were lyrics put to it. Would have been cool of them to just let M.T. sing this on Goats Head or whatever. The Stones version is outstandingly fuckin' awesome. Made a great instrumental.

Terry Carthy

5y↑1

Alabama..blues doesn't get much better than this song. Anybody got any idea why he's playing a Fender and not an SG ? Not sure I've EVER seen him do so in Stones days. Sounds immaculate!

merseybeat1963

He played a Fender Telecaster on Time waits for no one

asinimali

6y↑4

This was the theme song for the first punk rock show radio program in Atlanta on WRFG. The show was called leather jacket. I really have no more information on the show other than the title, station, and that it existed. This song brings me back to those days of trying to sneak into shows at the Agora or hanging at clubs that didn't have to worry about the police. I didn't get a leather jacket until I was older. Occasionally I will put it on and listen to this song and wish I had a cigarette.

Donald Repenn

4y↑4

That's one beautiful song

Daniel Oconnell

45w

Oh god what a great r and b stone’s tune. They never released it so mick did.

richard windrose

5y↑6

The best guitarist the Stones ever had who made up their best musical guitar oriented songs has this few hits? Sadly so

daviddfe1

11y↑9

John Mellencamp nicked the riff for I need a lover....Mick Taylor is unbelievable, have the vinyl and the CD

Bård Andersson

I Need A Lover came out in 1978... The Stones had this tune going already from 1969, though. Here with Keith on lead guitar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZbqdTy9Xx4

Mr. Orwell

daviddfe1 Cougar said I Need A Lover was inspired by Happy from 72 however the distorted guitar you hear at the end of this did today remind me of Leather Jacket

Fide Fide

10y↑3

Charming tune. Thanks.

DuneAquaViva

10y↑7

What a great Album this is, love these chords..and check out his tune Alabama from this my favorite cut I think..

Lew Stone

47w

Love the album cover too!

SomeGirls

7y↑5

I bought this when I was 17 - I think I already put this comment up here. I love Mick Taylor

harvey1954

1y↑2

Should be the theme song for the Rock and Roll Hall of Shame.

Mark E

40w↑1

Came across this recently...an audio tape from the Live Aid rehearsals recorded at Ron Wood's house in New York the day before the gig in '85. Interesting comments regarding Mick Taylor and mention of Leather Jacket - starts at 22.02 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Ou24hZWbg

Stones Rock n Roll Music

9y↑11

Nice Harmony, Happy 66th Birthday, Mick Taylor.

Lew Stone

47w

So he’s 74 now.

rafael tuvera

11y↑3

I love the seventies! Thanks, man.

Don R

so amazing

ms 2-1

23歳の時よく聴いてた♪
青春や✌

TJ Colatrella

Where did the other tracks from this great album go?

thinlizzy44

3y↑2

It is unfathomable to think that if a 72 Mick Taylor could go back in time, he'd quit the Rolling Freaking Stones. Uh uh. We all make mistakes when we are young. He made a gigantic one. Either u can write, or u can't. Not many can. Taylor clearly miscalculated. It's safe to say, Keef was pretty drugged out for a few of the Taylor albums and Taylor must've done a ton of work on songs Mick n Keef came up with, which led to his exit. Had they just given him a 1/3 share on a few tunes I bet he'd have stayed. Ronnie Wood ain't no Mick Taylor.

Alberto Rodriguez Fernandez

35w

What a fantastic song, and also a bit of a dig to KR ;)

MamboSons

Happy birthday Mick!

peter mills

5y↑5

Very pretty album, but no punch at all. He made the right decision to walk away from the Stones for the sake of his own sanity I think !? a shame he did'nt do so much more though.....
It was great that he was included in the Stones 50th celebratory 'shinanigans' ! & encouraged to blaze away again on Can't You Hear Me Knocking eg !!

harvey1954

2y↑1

The Stones did a backing track for this tune, but no vocals. I think when they heard the lyrics they realized Taylor was taking the piss out of them.

Three of a Kind by General Dean

47w

Stones' version bootlegged + would've been a classic with lyrics. Jagger singing these might work! And yeah, glimmer twins stole a lot from band mates (jones, wyman, taylor & wood). MT probably wrote all the music here.

tom slick

42w

This was basically recorded with the Stones without the lyrics. Would have made a nice track . Of course the Stones would not let him do a song.

cliff kyle

3y↑2

Up there with clapton and beck.

Liliana Silvia Ritossa

10y↑5

mick taylor manda

Daniel Oconnell

13y↑3

mick taylor talkin about gettin older

Jeff Jones

3y↑2

I like it is he singing to mick and Keith

Martin Holmes

47w

LOL The King & Queen

Alfred Gismondi

5y↑1

Sounds like this influenced musically Memory Motel

Daniel Oconnell

benbec do you know who the studio drummer is and what famous artists he played with.

Nai Noswad

5y↑1

You can hear bits of Leather Jacket that is on the stones Trident Mixes bootleg..so was it his all along?

Pierre O

2y↑1

His voice reminds me sometimes of Greg Lake.

favoriteblueshirt

52w↑1

Bit of a pete Townsend vibe too.

67stickyfingers

8y↑3

whos singing ,,,,,,love it

Fj Pd

8y↑7

+67stickyfingers It's Mick Taylor himself. He did it fine!

Jim Demestihas

8y↑2

+67stickyfingers Mick

et2petty et2petty

13y↑1

@PsychedelicTripster I managed a record store in the late 70's till 84. In Houston, klol radio refused to play this album! They said it didn't fit their programming.

Rose Blake

5y↑3

Mick has to be singing this to Keith or is it Mick J. Does anyone know?

Mr. Orwell

Rose Blake it’s micky t’s voice on it

Lew Stone

47w↑1

@Mr. Orwell, yeah we know, but who are the lyrics about? Keith R’s??

鈴木康太郎

ファンタスティック

PsychedelicTripster

13y

@BeatleStone - I don't think the Rolling Stones announced a ''Final Tour''

John MacDonald

7y↑4

Mick Taylor is one of the greatest rock guitar ist ever. His interplay with Keith made their sound 69 til 74. This album Leather jacket and SE five great songs and great vocals. Pity Jagger tried to fuck him out of royalties. Stones are my faves, but seriously, Mick, how much money do you need?

Tony McLean

11y↑3

Good bye Keef.

Steve Foresman

Bwaaa!!!

rankoutsider

11y↑1

When was this released? Right after he spit from the Stones?

Deltics IORR

6y↑3

Five years later in 1979.

Peter Mills

5y↑1

@Deltics IORR Yes, it was a shockingly long time coming after he quit the Stones really. A very talented but not at all a driven person it seems.... up to him of course, but disappointing for his many fans throughout the years!