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The Rolling Stones — Waiting On A Friend
Album: Tattoo You
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1335









Released: 1981
Length: 4:27
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Watching girls go passing by
It ain't the latest thing
I'm just standing in a doorway
I'm just trying to make some sense
Out of these girls go passing by
The tales they tell of men
I'm not waiting on a lady
I'm just waiting on a friend

A smile relieves a heart that grieves
Remember what I said
I'm not waiting on a lady
I'm just waiting on a friend
I'm just waiting on a friend

Don't need a whore
I don't need no booze
Don't need a virgin priest
But I need someone I can cry to
I need someone to protect
Making love and breaking hearts
It is a game for youth
But I'm not waiting on a lady
I'm just waiting on a friend
Comments (110)add comment
I love the song. But I love the fact that the building(stoop) in the video was just steps from my grammar school(St. Stan's). Ah...the Lower East Side back in the day.
Posted 4 months ago by Ropes    [ Reply ]
Great stuff from the glimmer twins.
Posted 5 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
Womanizer Jagger is playing it cool: women are the better men.
Posted 8 months ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
Nice and Cool this one.
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]


I love the music on RP and always appreciate the positive comments and stories that folks share, and love exposure to new (to me) regardless of the 'when' the music as created.
But also have to come to love the images / photographs that go along with each piece of music, yet never see a comment on those . . .
My best wishes and deepest gratitude to Bill and Rebecca for all that you do!!
Honey in the heart, 13 thank yous, Long Life!

Posted 2 years ago by B4D3neaker3    [ Reply ]
Love the sax. 1981. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is before tattoos became a thing.
Posted 2 years ago by Philipirata    [ Reply ]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH
12/18/2020
Posted 3 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Does anybody else hear Coyote by Joni Mitchell at the start of that riff? It can't be an accident.
Posted 4 years ago by Paddy_Hannan    [ Reply ]
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
{#Bananajam}..... great song and really good video - Keith looks so cool. 10

 File:Physical Led Zeppelin.jpg
 

Same building as in the Physical Graffiti album cover.
Posted 4 years ago by franco_agopyan    [ Reply ]
Classic
Posted 4 years ago by franco_agopyan    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:


That apartment building in the video is the same one which was used for the cover shot of Zep's "Physical Graffiti".

 
I came by this comment as this song played for me via PSD.
Great song, but I love the connection of the apartment building.
Posted 7 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
Eu vivo na sintonia da Radio Paradise e indiquei a muitos que também não saem da sintonia! parabéns Paradise e tenha o meu beijo brasileiro {#Notworthy}
Posted 9 years ago by Glória_Rocha    [ Reply ]
Like the song generally, but I grew up in the same neighborhood as Mick and find his accent execrable on this track.
Posted 9 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
just for the saxophone  {#Bananajam}
Posted 9 years ago by vicmicric    [ Reply ]
i could not appreciate this tune until I saw the video. Love that video with Mick & Keef meeting up and then heading to the pub to hook up with the rest of the band. Nice cameo by Peter a Tosh too. Great mellowed-out Stones here.
Posted 9 years ago by Rick_V    [ Reply ]
 That Billy Squire video is, by far, one of the worst displays of 80's schmaltz that i have seen since... well... the 80's. It's as if it were choreographed for Jennifer Beals (I had to Google "Flashdance" for that name) and they had Mr. Squire stand in for her... now, i gotta see Journey...
Proclivities wrote:

It is a pretty silly video but "one of the worst"?  There are plenty which are far worse, like these two gems, for example:
 

 

Posted 9 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
@Proclivities those are awesome, embarrassing '80s video picks. Billy Squire's solo dancing reminds me of that Celtics/BonJovi fan, except that the latter is not ashamed.

  
Proclivities wrote:

It is a pretty silly video but "one of the worst"?  There are plenty which are far worse, like these two gems, for example:
 

 


Posted 9 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]
Great! So much better than their contemporary friends in the Beatles (who has unfortunately lost their by far best members, John Lennon and George Harrison. RIP, at least we got to see them shine on their solo work).
Posted 9 years ago by evermovingtarget    [ Reply ]
 Elroweho wrote:
OK Song but one of the worst music videos I've ever seen!

 
It is a pretty silly video but "one of the worst"?  There are plenty which are far worse, like these two gems, for example:
 


Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Brings back great memories of living in Steamboat Springs, early 80s was a fun time.
Posted 9 years ago by PrussianMick    [ Reply ]
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
{#Bananajam}..... great song and really good video - Keith looks so cool. 10

 

 

That apartment building in the video is the same one which was used for the cover shot of Zep's "Physical Graffiti".
Posted 10 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Still love this video even after all these years
Posted 10 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}..... great song and really good video - Keith looks so cool. 10

 File:Physical Led Zeppelin.jpg
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
Sonny Rollins on that sax solo?  Nice!
Posted 10 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
Perfect.  I love The Stones -- and I love this song.  Tattoo You is as good as any, IMHO, Stones LP there is-- it RAWKS!  Little T&A?  Start Me Up?  Fughettabouddit.

the last great Stones LP?  Perhaps...
Posted 10 years ago by Biscobret    [ Reply ]
 Lazarus wrote:
big stud Romeo Tuma wrote:
This song has some very cool cords in it...  and the lyrics are wonderful...  jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins sounds soooo sophisticated...  great melody...  great beat...  everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
 

I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  I meant this song has some very cool chords in it...

this song is beautiful...  everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
 

 
It's a damn fine tune indeed.
Posted 11 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]
 cosmiclint wrote:

Me too. This is an under-rated album, imo. Tough to compete with classics like Exile, but the Stones have made great music at every stage of their careers.

 
Hear, hear!!
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
big stud Romeo Tuma wrote:
This song has some very cool cords in it...  and the lyrics are wonderful...  jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins sounds soooo sophisticated...  great melody...  great beat...  everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
 

I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  I meant this song has some very cool chords in it...

this song is beautiful...  everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
This is the kind of song that forces you to reevaluate your priorities, step outside yourself, and smell a flower.
Posted 11 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
 SmackDaddy wrote:
Where for art thou Romeotuma?
 

I'm around!  Hope you are having an excellent evening right this minute... love this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 tulfan wrote:
This song evokes some awesome memories me...
 
Me too. This is an under-rated album, imo. Tough to compete with classics like Exile, but the Stones have made great music at every stage of their careers.
Posted 11 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
 LizK wrote:

"81 Houston, the Astrodome.  Eddie Money, Eddie Rabbit opened?  Glad it wasn't the Nevilles, I think they're kinda creepy.  The Stones were good and lively.  {#Guitarist}
 
American tour opener '81 JFK stadium Philadelphia with 98,000 crazed Stones fans.  George Thorogood and Journey opened.  Thorogood was awesome (had just put out Move It On Over) and laid into it for the hometown crowd, but Journey got booed off the stage in 15 minutes leaving us to wait 2 hours for the Stones.  The Stones were MORE than worth the wait.
Posted 11 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 Elroweho wrote:
OK Song but one of the worst music videos I've ever seen!
 
Reminds me of a scene out of Sesame Street for some reason.
Posted 11 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
My very favorite RS song. {#Bounce}
Posted 11 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 d48m02h1918 wrote:
Love the sax on this song - must be the one and only Bobby Keys himself....!! {#Cheers}
 
Sonny Rollins, believe it or not.
Posted 11 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
Love the sax on this song - must be the one and only Bobby Keys himself....!! {#Cheers}
Posted 12 years ago by d48m02h1918    [ Reply ]
Where for art thou Romeotuma?
Posted 12 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
OK Song but one of the worst music videos I've ever seen!
Posted 12 years ago by Elroweho    [ Reply ]
Good album.
Posted 12 years ago by shampa1n    [ Reply ]
 tulfan wrote:
This song evokes some awesome memories me...
 
Memories good, song sucks - a pathetic Rolling Stones effort given their (mostly) outstanding catalog.
Posted 12 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
The video(might have actually been film back then) was shot on St Marks Place in the East Village in NYC...up the block from my old grammar school. Brings back some nice memories for me.

romeotuma wrote:

Yes!  I remember that video!  It is great!  Love this song...
 
 


Posted 12 years ago by Ropes    [ Reply ]
 gemtag wrote:
Stones leave me stone cold. I think it's because their music reeks of pretentiousness. Early stones is good stuff. From this point in time on I find it all hard to listen to.
Pretentiousness of what or who?  Great song on their last really impressive album (that's not a live show).. 


Posted 12 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
 kjf06 wrote:
Will never forget a time with complicated women problems in France. This song came on the radio and told me what to do and who to call. 
 

"complicated women problems".......INDEED!         are there any other kind?
Posted 12 years ago by DD rabbi_phil    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
Guilty pleasure song! I know it is not very good, but I have always loved it!{#Cheers}
 
What are you talking about? This is a great song! {#Cheers}
Posted 12 years ago by lshinkawa    [ Reply ]
Guilty pleasure song! I know it is not very good, but I have always loved it!{#Cheers}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:
I saw the Stones on this tour in '81 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Neville Bros. opened up. One of the 5 best shows I have ever seen. Great song!{#Wave}
 
"81 Houston, the Astrodome.  Eddie Money, Eddie Rabbit opened?  Glad it wasn't the Nevilles, I think they're kinda creepy.  The Stones were good and lively. 
Posted 13 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 Foot wrote:
Sorry, the Stones at their most boring; it can stay in the dustbin as far as I'm concerned.

 
{#Stupid}

Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Stones leave me stone cold. I think it's because their music reeks of pretentiousness. Early stones is good stuff. From this point in time on I find it all hard to listen to.
Posted 13 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
A classic song...funny that all I can think of when I hear this is Mick sitting on the steps....like the video (back in the day when MTV was new)
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
Sorry, the Stones at their most boring; it can stay in the dustbin as far as I'm concerned.

Posted 13 years ago by Foot    [ Reply ]
Will never forget a time with complicated women problems in France. This song came on the radio and told me what to do and who to call. 
Posted 13 years ago by kjf06    [ Reply ]
One of Mick's best.  A well-thought out song.   {#Good-vibes}
Posted 13 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
Me too ............ takes me back to better times         {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 13 years ago by No_Where_Man    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Great song, horrific video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9hbf-IRig
 
That video's not earth-shattering, but I wouldn't call it horrific - especially compared to a lot of the videos being made at that time.  "She Was Hot" does have a much more entertaining video though.


Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I saw the Stones on this tour in '81 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Neville Bros. opened up. One of the 5 best shows I have ever seen. Great song!{#Wave}
Posted 13 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
This song evokes some awesome memories me...
Posted 13 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Here's the record cover.

Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
 lmic wrote:
True nuff. Yet interestingly, it happens to have been shot on the same Lower East Side block as the tenement used on the cover of Physical Graffiti - 98 St. Marks Place.

I know these things because I lived at 98 St. Marks Place one summer back in the 90s. How cool am I?
 
Yah, at least the location is cool. The video I was actually thinking of was this, from the same album. Mick's shirt: eeeyew: NotPrettyInPurple


Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Great song, horrific video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0NYKWLMgx0

 
True nuff. Yet interestingly, it happens to have been shot on the same Lower East Side block as the tenement used on the cover of Physical Graffiti - 98 St. Marks Place.

I know these things because I lived at 98 St. Marks Place one summer back in the 90s. How cool am I?

Posted 14 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Great song, horrific video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9hbf-IRig


Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I still can't believe this tune didn't end up on 40 Licks...
Posted 14 years ago by pinnyrat    [ Reply ]

Wikipedia says:

The Rolling Stones hired jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins to perform the solo on this song, as well as two others on the album. On his addition to the track, Jagger said in 1985:

"I had a lot of trepidation about working with Sonny Rollins. This guy's a giant of the saxophone. Charlie said, 'He's never going to want to play on a Rolling Stones record!' I said, 'Yes he is going to want to.' And he did and he was wonderful. I said, 'Would you like me to stay out there in the studio?' He said, 'Yeah, you tell me where you want me to play and DANCE the part out.' So I did that. And that's very important: communication in hand, dance, whatever. You don't have to do a whole ballet, but sometimes that movement of the shoulder tells the guy to kick in on the beat."

Superb song.

 


Posted 14 years ago by Albert1967    [ Reply ]
Humble Harv from KHJ-AM LA circa 1964 - 1969 introducing a Stones song...
The Rolling STONESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
This song is soooo not good for the ears......
Posted 14 years ago by SweTex    [ Reply ]
One of my 5 all time favorite songs..EVER
Posted 14 years ago by diannemck56    [ Reply ]
 Radio_Man wrote:
Stolling Rones!  This has got to be THE quentintarantino Rolling Stones song.
 

Fictional pulp, methinks...
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Love this song. Makes me nostalgic for the days I had a stoop in NYC.
Posted 15 years ago by Cornelia    [ Reply ]
My favorite Stones tune. And I'm not a big Stones fan. This gets a 10 from me!
Posted 15 years ago by bugleboy624    [ Reply ]
Mostly harmless, which for the Stones, is a bit of a backhand slap, but still a cool tune notwithstanding.


Posted 15 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
Stolling Rones!  This has got to be THE quentintarantino Rolling Stones song.
Posted 15 years ago by Radio_Man    [ Reply ]
 ScottN wrote:
Lots of songs you aren't intersted in will happen with a prolific band that has been writing for ..ah... 43 years now? It would be unreal if either you liked them all or some were not "their best".
 
yet, the average quality of their output is amazing, and there are many unknown gems as well

now that I think of it, that could be said of all those who are truly great: beatles, dylan and company ...


Posted 15 years ago by federico    [ Reply ]
 spanishboots wrote:
This tune had a great music video with Keith And Mick in a NY neighbourhood. Those fabulous early days of music videos... Speaking of music videos, She Bop by Cindy Lauper must be one of the best, ever.
 
I remember that well ... the attitude was very cool and casual.  They should have stopped appearing on film after that ...  they're downright scary now.

Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
One of the few Stones tunes I really like.
Posted 16 years ago by OZA    [ Reply ]
Awesome horns.
Posted 16 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
Awesome rhythm section - too bad ole Bill Wyman left the band.
Posted 16 years ago by robca    [ Reply ]
tomkoshiol wrote:
A number of years ago a nearby radio staton did a Rolling Stones A-Z weekend. I have to say, there were a lot of songs I didn't need to hear again. This has always been probably my favorite Stones song, and a great slbum.
Lots of songs you aren't intersted in will happen with a prolific band that has been writing for ..ah... 43 years now? It would be unreal if either you liked them all or some were not "their best".
Posted 16 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
This tune had a great music video with Keith And Mick in a NY neighbourhood. Those fabulous early days of music videos... Speaking of music videos, She Bop by Cindy Lauper must be one of the best, ever.
Posted 16 years ago by spanishboots    [ Reply ]
7 for the percussion, 8 for the kit, 7 for the background vocals, 7 for the groove, 8 for the sax, 8 for the piano. Let's see - that's... Great Stones.
Posted 16 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
etwilson wrote:
Yea, if you'd told me in '81 that Tattoo You was the last good Stones album but that they would continue to grind out crappy albums for another 20+ years, I would have laughed at you. Sad, really.
A number of years ago a nearby radio staton did a Rolling Stones A-Z weekend. I have to say, there were a lot of songs I didn't need to hear again. This has always been probably my favorite Stones song, and a great slbum.
Posted 16 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
Great song, excellent album!
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
rickhoran wrote:
the last of the good rolling stones records as a group. Keith Richards had some good releases in the late eighties.
good memories 1978
Posted 17 years ago by wferrier    [ Reply ]
the last of the good rolling stones records as a group. Keith Richards had some good releases in the late eighties.
Posted 17 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
I remember this video on MTV ... I hated it. I was too young to appreciate them....
Posted 17 years ago by KMH    [ Reply ]
Mostly Harmless.
Posted 17 years ago by TJOpootertoot    [ Reply ]
Mugro wrote:
Hannio, don't forget "Some Girls" that came out in I think 1978. That was a great album. Tattoo You was the beginning of the end.
Yea, if you'd told me in '81 that Tattoo You was the last good Stones album but that they would continue to grind out crappy albums for another 20+ years, I would have laughed at you. Sad, really.
Posted 20 years ago by etwilson    [ Reply ]
Hannio wrote:
I really like this, even though I pretty much stopped listening to the Stones around 1974.
Hannio, don't forget "Some Girls" that came out in I think 1978. That was a great album. Tattoo You was the beginning of the end.
Posted 20 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
I really like this, even though I pretty much stopped listening to the Stones around 1974.
Posted 20 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Shimmer wrote:
Lame... baby boomer... commercial.... fantasy.
Although I like this tune, this comment is hilarious. How often to you see someone replying to a fellow townsman's comment on RP?
Posted 20 years ago by wxman    [ Reply ]
rkelly7246 wrote:
just a good ole memory
Agreed! I remember this from the early days of Mtv...... this song always puts me in a good place. Great way to end the work day!
Posted 20 years ago by Mark1970    [ Reply ]
FunkyZen wrote:
Summer... warm... patio... glass of wine... Oh yeah....
Lame... baby boomer... commercial.... fantasy.
Posted 20 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
Just when I forget how awesome a Stones song can be.......
Posted 20 years ago by rulebritannia    [ Reply ]
Posted 20 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
A Stones song Jazz-fans may also enjoy because Sonny Rollins is playing the saxophone. Charlie Watts said Rollins would never do it, but Mick Jagger disagreed. When mr. Rollins asked what they wanted him to play, Jagger danced the solo for him 8)
Posted 20 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
just a good ole memory
Posted 20 years ago by rkelly7246    [ Reply ]
From the album that caused us to call them the Rolling Bones ... long, long ago.
Posted 20 years ago by drH    [ Reply ]
I give it a 2, I give it a 7. What I don't do is give a damn what you say, joe. One of the few Stones songs I don't mind hearing more than once a year. I give it a 7.
Posted 20 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
coyotexxx2 wrote:
Please do not rate this song. Leave it alone. If you give it a 2 you plainly are not worthy to even consider it.
ROFL. I didn't give it a 2! I swear! Don't shoot ME! :-)
Posted 20 years ago by spieler    [ Reply ]
joe1 wrote:
Sorry...I just think this sucks bigtime.....absolute crap.. Hence the '2' mark....soooo many better songs out there.....
Please do not rate this song. Leave it alone. If you give it a 2 you plainly are not worthy to even consider it.
Posted 20 years ago by coyotexxx2    [ Reply ]
Summer... warm... patio... glass of wine... Oh yeah....
Posted 21 years ago by FunkyZen    [ Reply ]
Man, I am such a sap! Even though I know it's a highly manufactured product, this one always feels so human.
Posted 21 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Love this one! :2dancingbananas:
Posted 21 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]