Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
Rolling Stones songs: Hold Back
Don’t matter if you ain’t so good looking/ If you ain’t sharp as a blade…
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: RPM Studios, NYC, USA, July 16-Aug. 17 & Sept. 10-Oct. 15 1985; Right Track Studios, NYC, USA, Nov. 5-Dec. 15 1985 Guest musicians: Ivan Neville (bass), Chuck Leavell (keyboards) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
Hold Back by the Rolling Stones delivers a message of defiance, urging listeners to think for themselves rather than conforming to the crowd or succumbing to fear. The song challenges the notion that truth is found solely in history books or media narratives. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of personal experience and independent thought. As usual, Mick Jagger crafted the lyrics while Keith Richards composed the music for the track. “’Cause if you follow the crowd, ’cause if you act like a coward, you’ll end up yelling out loud“, Jagger sings.
This time, the bassist is Ivan Neville, son of the renowned Aaron Neville of the Neville Brothers. Keith Richards was so impressed by Ivan’s playing that he decided to include him in all his future solo projects. For the moment, Ivan provides a strong bass performance, occasionally incorporating a slap bass style. Keith later mentioned in an interview that Hold Back was actually pulled from the reject pile, largely due to the fact that the song only needed a new bass line, with Charlie’s drumming being a standout element. Indeed, Charlie Watts delivers a powerful performance with a relentless rock groove, playing his snare drum with significant force and setting a solid foundation for the band.
Keith Richards recognized this and, together with Ron Wood, provides outstanding guitar work, skillfully alternating between rhythm and lead riffs. Alan Rogan later disclosed that Ronnie Wood overdubbed the solo using a vintage RCA amp from the 1940s. Bobby Womack also contributes guitar, though his part is somewhat difficult to distinguish amid the other guitar layers. Mick Jagger sings the lyrics with a tense, echo-laden vocal style. While Hold Back might not be the Rolling Stones’ greatest rock song, it definitely deserved more attention than being relegated to the outtakes.
Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
Subscribe to the Stones Data newsletter and get all daily posts delivered to you for free. Everybody got to go! *Support this site and help us keep sharing great content. Thanks in advance!
