The song is considered to be the first original composition by Jagger and Richards. Up until that point they had been performing covers of blues standards. The myth surrounding the song's genesis has it that Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham locked Jagger and Richards in a kitchen forcing them to write a song together, even suggesting what type of song he wanted: “I want a song with brick walls all around it, high windows and no sex.” The result was initially named “As Time Goes By” the title of the song Dooley Wilson sings in the film Casablanca. It was Oldham who changed “Time” for “Tears.” Oldham subsequently gave the ballad (a format that the Stones were not yet known for) to Faithfull, then 17, for her to record as a B-side. The success of the recording caused the record company, Decca, to switch the song to an A-side, where it became a very popular single. It reached # 9 in the British charts and launched Faithfull's career as a major singer. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 in America the week ending November 28, 1964, where it stayed for nine weeks peaking at # 22.
The Stones recorded their own version in 1965. It appeared as the B-side to "19th Nervous Breakdown" in the U.K. This recording is notable for its heavy string arrangement by Mike Leander. It was one of the three songs ( "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "19th Nervous Breakdown" being the other two ) the band performed live during their third appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. It was released as a single by their American record label, London Records, due to popular demand after radio DJ's across the country started playing the song from their recently released compilation album December's Children (And Everybody's). The song peaked at # 6 on the Billboard charts in America for the Stones. The song had great success on the Billboard Easy Listening chart (#10 peak) years before the seemingly more wholesome Beatles would see their first entry.
As Tears Go By
The Rolling Stones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I sit and watch the children play
Smiling faces I can see
But not for me
I sit and watch
As tears go by
My riches can't buy everything
All I hear is the sound
Of rain falling on the ground
I sit and watch
As tears go by
It is the evening of the day
I sit and watch the children play
Doing things I used to do
They think are new
I sit and watch
As tears go by
The Rolling Stones’ “As Tears Go By” is an introspective ballad about longing, loss, and mortality. The lyrics describe the passing of time and the inevitable changes that come with mature adulthood. The singer observes smiling faces of playful children but feels disconnected from their world, reflecting on the fact that his wealth cannot buy him everything he wants. He remembers the joy of youth and the activities he used to engage in but now feels left behind as the world moves on.
The song conveys a sense of isolation and melancholy, and the repeated chorus, “I sit and watch as tears go by,” highlights a deep-seated sadness that has no immediate remedy. The singer seems to have come to terms with his detachment and is left to sit with his memories and regrets. The simple melody and languid tempo match the mood of the lyrics, creating an atmosphere of resignation and acceptance.
Overall, the song speaks to the transient nature of life and the quiet desperation of watching the world change around you. It is a poignant meditation on the passage of time and the importance of cherishing youthful experiences while they last.
Line by Line Meaning
It is the evening of the day
The time of day is evening
I sit and watch the children play
I observe the children playing
Smiling faces I can see
I am able to witness happy expressions
But not for me
I do not experience the same happiness
I sit and watch
I remain seated while observing
As tears go by
I cry
My riches can't buy everything
I am wealthy but not all desires can be bought with money
I want to hear the children sing
I desire to hear the children's singing voices
All I hear is the sound
I am only able to hear
Of rain falling on the ground
The sound of raindrops hitting the earth
I sit and watch
I remain seated while observing
As tears go by
I cry
It is the evening of the day
The time of day is evening
I sit and watch the children play
I observe the children playing
Doing things I used to do
Performing activities I once did
They think are new
The children believe the activities are novel
I sit and watch
I remain seated while observing
As tears go by
I cry
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Andrew Loog Oldham, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cherylpatterson3352
Yes, I'm 70 now too, but this will always be a great song, especially to look back on time
@zoki-kj3ox
Agree with you 👍🏴
@visiblur
I'm 25 and it's still amazing
@kathygillman5450
Me too! One of my all time favorites along w many. Beautiful
@kiranbhatt6399
Most know satisfaction but don't know this grt 60s song which I still do on guitar
@flyfreely.g9573
I listened to this song when I was 12 years old…I still remember that…
@henrylee4948
Yes,I still love this song even though I am already 70. May God bless us with more healthy years to come.
@1989opprsvp
About to be 62 in a few months. This song belongs in the Smithsonian. Beautiful.
@debbyledbetter4434
I'm 72, I doubt there has been a better era for music than ours. Finding Dylan when I was 13, maybe 14, I just knew I was on to something. Shortly after came the Stones and the list goes on.
@JacobDeregla
Just love listening to the RollingStones songs❤