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Live with Me
Live with Me
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"Live with Me"
Song by the Rolling Stones
from the album Let It Bleed
Released5 December 1969 (1969-12-05)
Recorded24 May 1969
Genre
Length3:33
LabelDecca Records/ABKCO
SongwriterJagger/Richards
ProducerJimmy Miller

"Live with Me" is a song by the Rolling Stones from their album Let It Bleed, released in December 1969. It was the first song recorded with the band's new guitarist Mick Taylor, who joined the band in June 1969,[2] although the first record the band released with Taylor was the single version of "Honky Tonk Women". Taylor later described the recording of "Live with Me" as "kind of the start of that particular era for the Stones, where Keith and I traded licks".[3]

The song also marks the first time the Stones recorded with tenor saxophonist Bobby Keys (who played on many Stones records thereafter),[4] and the only time Leon Russell would play with the Stones. Russell and Nicky Hopkins contributed piano to the piece.

Written by Mick Jagger and Richards, "Live with Me" was recorded on 24 May 1969. As Taylor joined the band weeks later, his guitar part was dubbed over the basic track. Along with "Country Honk", this was one of the two songs on Let it Bleed that guitarist Mick Taylor played on. He and Keith Richards created an original 2-lead guitar sound.[5]

The song's lyrics were cited as the reason the London Bach Choir asked not to be credited for their contribution to "You Can't Always Get What You Want".[6] The poet X. J. Kennedy suggested that the lyrics are part of a tradition of responses, beginning with John Donne and Sir Walter Raleigh and continuing through C. Day-Lewis, to Christopher Marlowe's "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love". Marlowe's poem begins "Come live with me and be my love".[citation needed]

Although never released as a single, the song has been frequently performed live, and concert versions appear on the albums Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!, No Security, and Light the Fuse, as well as the 1996 "Wild Horses" (live) single and the Rarities 1971–2003 compilation album. A live version recorded in 1971 at the Roundhouse appears on the 2015 Deluxe edition bonus disc of Sticky Fingers, likewise a live version recorded at University of Leeds in 1971 featured in the album Get Yer Leeds Leeds Lungs Out (exclusively released on the 2015's Super Deluxe edition of Sticky Fingers). The song was performed live with Christina Aguilera for the concert film Shine a Light, and appears on the accompanying soundtrack album.

Personnel

[edit]

The Rolling Stones

Additional Personnel

References

[edit]
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Live with Me

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"Live with Me" is a song by the English rock band , written by and , and released on their eighth studio album in December 1969. Produced by , the track is noted for its energetic influences, featuring prominent work by . The recording of "Live with Me," which took place on May 24, 1969, at Olympic Sound Studios in London, marked the debut studio appearance of guitarist Mick Taylor, who had recently joined the band as a replacement for Brian Jones. Taylor contributed his distinctive guitar riffs that complemented Keith Richards' rhythm work shortly before Jones' official dismissal. Additionally, the song featured the Rolling Stones' first collaboration with saxophonist Bobby Keys, whose tenor saxophone solo became a highlight and signaled a shift toward more R&B-infused arrangements in their sound. Lyrically, "Live with Me" explores themes of and domestic invitation with Jagger's characteristic wit, as in lines inviting a lover to join his unconventional amid references to "nasty habits" and hung meat for dinner. The track has been praised for its raw energy and has been performed live by , including on the 1969 US tour documented in the album Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!. Over the years, it has been remastered and reissued, maintaining its status as a fan favorite from the Stones' late-1960s creative peak.

Background

Writing and development

"Live with Me" is credited to and , following the standard practice for all original compositions by . The song was developed during the early 1969 recording sessions for the album at Olympic Sound Studios in , a period marked by significant band turmoil, including the declining involvement of guitarist , who was ultimately asked to leave on June 8, 1969. Initial ideas for the track emerged around March to April 1969, prior to the core recording efforts, with Jagger taking the lead on crafting the lyrics, which drew from his personal experiences and observations of relationships and lifestyle in the late rock scene. Richards contributed the musical foundation through his characteristic riff-based approach, establishing the song's driving, energetic groove centered on a distinctive he played himself. Although guitarist officially joined the band in June 1969 following Jones's departure, "Live with Me" was selected as the first track for his contributions after he was recommended by and auditioned in mid-May; he added guitar overdubs in late June to enhance its high-energy demands, marking his debut with the group.

Context in

"," the ' eighth British studio album, was released on December 5, 1969, in the United Kingdom by , serving as the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 1968 release . The album's production unfolded during a period of profound instability for the band, marked by the dismissal and subsequent death of founding member on July 3, 1969, as well as the broader cultural turbulence of the late , which peaked with the violent on December 6, 1969—just one day after the UK release. This context of personal and societal chaos infused the album with a sense of urgency and raw edge, reflecting the Rolling Stones' transition into a new phase amid lineup changes and external pressures. Within the album's structure, "Live with Me" occupies the fourth position on side one, following the apocalyptic opener "Gimme Shelter," the bluesy "Love in Vain," and the twangy "Country Honk," injecting a burst of high-energy rock that propels the listener forward into the record's core. This placement underscores its role as a dynamic pivot, bridging the album's initial intensity with subsequent tracks while embodying the Stones' shift toward a grittier, more immediate sound during their evolving lineup. The song was initially tracked on May 24, 1969—prior to Jones's departure from the band on June 8—but Mick Taylor, who replaced Jones, contributed his debut guitar overdubs shortly after joining in late June, symbolizing the group's adaptation to loss and renewal. Thematically, "Live with Me" aligns with 's eclectic blend of vigorous rock propulsion and underlying darker undertones, exploring personal desires amid societal disillusionment in contrast to the more menacing, narrative-driven intensity of tracks like "." This mix captures the album's overarching arc of emotional volatility and raw honesty, drawing from the era's unrest to create a cohesive yet varied listening experience. Notably, the album's bold, explicit content prompted the London Bach Choir—featured on the closing epic "You Can't Always Get What You Want"—to attempt withdrawing their name from the credits upon learning of the title and lyrical themes, highlighting the project's provocative edge that indirectly amplified the unapologetic boldness in songs like "Live with Me."

Composition

Musical style

"Live with Me" is a song infused with R&B elements, defined by its driving and gritty, energetic delivery that captures ' signature raw edge. The track employs a straightforward verse-chorus structure, lasting 3:33, composed in at a of 129 BPM, which contributes to its propulsive momentum. At its core, the song revolves around Keith Richards's insistent guitar riff and the accompanying bass line, which he performed in place of , creating a taut, interlocking foundation. A piano-driven groove, courtesy of and , infuses the piece with a lively texture that underscores the rhythmic drive. Drawing from the band's roots and the high-energy rock of the , "Live with Me" shares structural similarities with earlier riff-based tracks like "," though its execution amplifies the intensity through a more visceral, unpolished vibe. The instrumentation culminates in a punchy saxophone solo by , which injects a brassy punch and reinforces the song's live-band immediacy, even within the confines of studio production.

Lyrics and themes

"Live with Me" centers on an invitation to infused with explicit sexual undertones, depicting a hedonistic marked by domestic chaos and unbridled excess. The narrator dismisses a declaration of with casual indifference, as in the opening lines: "She said she's madly in love with me / And I said 'Ooh, I see'," establishing a playful yet crude tone that prioritizes physical gratification over emotional commitment. References to everyday disorder, such as "rats in the kitchen" and "a score of hair-brained children / They're all locked in the nursery," evoke a gritty, urban household overrun by indulgence, contrasting idealized romance with raw, unpolished reality. Mick Jagger delivers the lyrics with a that underscores the song's irony and themes of excess, mirroring the counterculture's embrace of sexual liberation amid societal upheaval. His vocal style amplifies the invitation's dual nature—as both alluring promise and veiled warning—highlighting the hedonistic allure of shared debauchery, including graphic imagery like "we'll go rolling on the rug" and "between the sheets." This approach reflects the era's shifting attitudes toward relationships, where traditional norms gave way to open expressions of desire. The song's explicit content sparked controversy, contributing to the London Bach Choir's decision to disassociate from the Let It Bleed album sessions after providing vocals for another track, as they objected to the racy material.

Recording and production

Studio sessions

The recording sessions for "Live with Me" began in May 1969 at Olympic Sound Studios in London, with the basic track laid down live by the core lineup excluding guitarist . Additional work, including overdubs, continued through October and November 1969 at Olympic Studios and in at Sunset Sound and Elektra Studios. Producer guided the process, emphasizing a raw, energetic sound, while chief engineer handled the technical aspects, capturing the band's performance in a multi-track format to allow for later enhancements. Taylor, who had joined the band in June 1969 following ' dismissal, contributed his guitar overdubs shortly after, making this his debut recording with the group and adding a fresh blues-inflected edge to the track. The sessions faced logistical challenges amid the band's post-Jones upheaval, including coordinating guest musicians like pianist and saxophonist , whose horn parts—arranged by —required careful layering to integrate without losing the song's spontaneous drive; multiple takes were employed to harness the live feel despite the disruptions. Mixing was finalized in late 1969 under Johns' supervision, prioritizing the track's place within the album's overall structure rather than preparing it for single release, which helped maintain 's thematic unity amid the era's turbulence.

Personnel

"Live with Me" features core contributions from ' lineup during the sessions, augmented by notable guest musicians. provides the lead vocals, delivering a raw and energetic performance that drives the track's boisterous tone. handles multiple roles, including lead and , , and backing vocals, with his bass work standing in for regular bassist on this particular song. supplies the driving drums, providing a solid rhythmic foundation. , the band's newly recruited guitarist who replaced , contributes guitar overdubs, marking this as his first official recording with the group. Guest performers add distinctive textures to the arrangement. plays , contributing to the song's lively keyboard elements, while provides additional on certain takes and arranges the horn parts, creating a layered sound through their combined efforts. delivers a prominent solo and fills, infusing the track with a gritty, bluesy edge. The track was produced by , who oversaw the sessions to capture the band's raw energy, with engineering handled by , ensuring a polished yet visceral sound.

Release and performances

Album release

"Live with Me" appeared as the fourth track on the Rolling Stones' eighth British studio album, , released on November 28, 1969, in the United States by London Records and on December 5, 1969, in the United Kingdom by . The track was not issued as a standalone single upon the album's launch, distinguishing it from contemporaries like "," which had been released earlier that July to significant commercial success. itself achieved strong chart performance, peaking at number 1 on the for a total of 29 weeks and reaching number 3 on the US Billboard 200. This success was bolstered by the album's overall appeal, with "Live with Me" contributing to its momentum through previews and integration into the band's 1969 North American tour setlists, amid the promotional wave from the prior single's hype. Originally issued in stereo vinyl LP format, saw subsequent reissues including editions in the late and by , a remastered version, and a deluxe 50th anniversary edition in 2019 featuring both stereo and mono mixes on vinyl and hybrid . Digital streaming availability followed in the 2010s across platforms like and , expanding access to the track and album. The album's enduring commercial impact is evidenced by its RIAA certification of 2× Platinum in the United States in 1989, denoting shipments of two million units, a reflecting "Live with Me"'s role in sustaining the record's catalog value alongside other standout tracks.

Live performances

"Live with Me" received its concert debut during The Rolling Stones' 1969 American Tour, with new guitarist contributing to the performance following ' death earlier that year. The song became a staple in the band's setlists throughout the , appearing regularly in tours such as the 1970 European Tour and the 1971-1972 Good Rockin' Tonight Tour. Key live recordings of the song include its appearance on the 1970 album , captured at in New York on November 27, 1969, during the American Tour. It was also featured on the 1998 live album , recorded during the at the Amsterdam Arena on July 1, 1998. Additionally, a version from the band's 2006 Beacon Theatre residency in New York, with guest vocals by , appears in the 2008 concert film Shine a Light directed by . In 2024, a recording from their 1971 performance was released as From the Vault: The Marquee – Live in 1971. Early live renditions, like the one on Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!, were characterized by raw energy and extended improvisations, running over six minutes compared to the studio version's three-and-a-half. In later tours, performances were typically shortened to around four minutes while retaining an intense, driving pace. The song was a frequent highlight on the (1994–1995), where it was occasionally performed early in the set, including as the opener for one show, and the (1997–1998), solidifying its role as a high-octane . It continued to be performed in select dates during the 2000s, adapting to the band's evolving lineup and stage dynamics, with its last live performance occurring during the 2014 Tour.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in 1969, "Live with Me" received praise from critics for its raw energy and prominent bass riff, which many highlighted as a standout element on Let It Bleed. In a contemporary review for Rolling Stone, Greil Marcus noted the song's role in the album's exploration of familiar decadent themes, describing how the Rolling Stones "prance through familiar roles with their masks on" in tracks like "Live with Me," alongside "Midnight Rambler" and the title track, emphasizing its embodiment of the band's gritty, rebellious persona amid the era's cultural shifts. In retrospective analyses, the track has been frequently ranked highly in track-by-track breakdowns of , often celebrated as a pivotal rocker signaling the Stones' transition into their sound. It feeds into the perception of as decadent stars with hedonistic lifestyles. Some critics have noted similarities to other album tracks in style and arrangement. Modern reassessments, particularly around the 2019 50th-anniversary edition of the album, have underscored the song's impact from Mick Taylor's debut contributions and its sexual frankness within contexts. In a retrospective, it was lauded for its "raw, gritty energy" and provocative lyrics, blending and in a way that remains dynamically bold. Louder magazine echoed this, noting how "Live with Me"—the first song recorded with Taylor and saxophonist —targets the hips with its groove while tempering its outré mores. Mick Taylor himself reflected on the track in interviews, stating, "The first song I worked on with the Stones was called 'Live with Me', very appropriately named." Overall, "Live with Me" enjoys a strong consensus as an energetic rocker encapsulating the Stones' late-1960s evolution, consistently earning 4- to 5-star ratings in album dissections and solidifying its place as a gritty, rebellious album highlight.

Cover versions and cultural impact

One of the most prominent cover versions of "Live with Me" is by , released in 2022 as a single featuring on harmonica; the track was later included on the deluxe edition of her 2024 album . Crow performed the song live on in May 2022, showcasing a blues-infused rendition that highlighted its raw energy. Other covers include a 1982 version by the British rock band on their album Screaming Blue Murder, which adapted the song's gritty rhythm into a style. In 2025, tribute band Mick Adams and The Stones delivered a faithful live rendition at the Moonlight Amphitheatre, capturing the original's swagger in a full-stage production. The song has left a notable mark in rock history through Mick Taylor's blues-inflected contributions, signaling the start of the band's early creative peak. It appears in the 2008 documentary Shine a Light, where the Stones perform it alongside during their Beacon Theatre residency, blending the track's sensual invitation with contemporary flair. "Live with Me" symbolizes the band's unapologetic exploration of raw sexuality and , influencing rock themes of intimate propositions seen in tracks by contemporaries like . Its enduring legacy persists in radio rotations and digital streaming, with the original version surpassing 17 million streams on as of November 2025, underscoring its lasting appeal in curated playlists.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/song/live-with-me-mt0014014220
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXuoe02Dd1c
  3. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/keith-richards-mick-taylorisolated-guitar-rolling-stones-live-with-me/
  4. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-rolling-stones/live-with-me
  5. https://rollingstonesdata.com/songs/live-with-me/
  6. https://www.timeisonourside.com/chron1969.html
  7. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-making-of-let-it-bleed-193735/
  8. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rolling-stones-let-it-bleed-songs/
  9. https://www.loudersound.com/features/mick-taylor-rolling-stones-interview
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  24. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/The-Rolling-Stones/Live-With-Me
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  42. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/the-rolling-stones-bd6ad22.html?song=Live+with+Me
  43. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/songs-the-rolling-stones-havent-played-2024-tour/
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  50. https://open.spotify.com/track/2Aw3R2ar2IPXFogbOscu8T
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IypZzYFuRZo
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  55. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/22bE4uQ6baNwSHPVcDxLCe_songs.html
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