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blinded by rainbows
About Blinded By Rainbows by The Rolling Stones
Do you ever touch the night/ Or is it just another job…
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Ronnie Wood’s Sandymount Studios, Kildare, Island, July 9-Aug. 6 and Sept. 1994; Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 3-Dec. 10 1993; Don Was’ Studio and A&M Studios, Los Angeles, USA, Jan. 15-Apr. 1994 Guest musicians: Darryl Jones (bass), Benmont Tench (organ and piano) , Lenny Castro (percussion) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
More about Blinded By Rainbows by The Rolling Stones
A leftover song written in September 1992 from Mick Jagger’s Wandering Spirit album, Blinded By Rainbows features haunting organ and piano by Benmont Tench (of the Tom Petty Band) and percussion by renowned session musician Lenny Castro. Originally a love song, the lyrics were reworked into a powerful anti-war message tackling the brutality of the Northern Ireland conflict, with Mick questioning if terrorists ever sleep soundly. Despite knowing his words wouldn’t change the situation, Mick felt compelled to speak out.
The lyrics take aim at the conflict in Northern Ireland. “Do you ever hear the screams as the limbs are all torn off/Did you ever kiss the child who just saw his father shot? ” It’s all about the discrimination against Catholics, which is why the singer mentions Jesus on the cross. The term “Blinded by Rainbows” could be a metaphor for the two sides of the fight – the political and religious. They’re so focused on their own goals, they can’t see past their differences and will never find peace.
The track is packed with musical muscle: Mick plays tremolo guitar, Keith Richards adds acoustic guitar, and Ron Wood delivers a scorching lead solo. Multiple versions exist, including one with unfinished lyrics and another with completed lyrics but lacking additional instrumentation.
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