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Rolling Stones songs: I Think I’m Going Mad
I know my mind’s afloat/ Sometimes I feel so young and sometimes I feel so old…
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas, Jan. 18-Feb. 12 1979; EMI Pathé Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Nov. 11-Dec. 16 1982; The Hit Factory, NYC, USA, June-July 1983 Guest musicians: Mel Collins (sax) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
More About I Think I’m Going Mad by The Rolling Stones
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
The protagonist of I Think I’m Going Mad is caught in a storm of emotions, struggling to grasp reality as life rushes past him. He feels like a spectator in his own existence, unable to keep up with the relentless pace. Women enter and exit his life like fleeting shadows, leaving him disoriented and unsure of what’s real. Time, once a steady companion, now plays cruel tricks—one moment, he’s brimming with youthful confidence; the next, he feels worn down by the weight of his own thoughts.
Musically and thematically, I Think I’m Going Mad follows in the footsteps of Fool to Cry and Worried About You. Likely written by Mick Jagger, the song carries a melancholic, almost dreamlike quality, with a protagonist on the verge of losing his grip on reality. The emotional weight is amplified by the track’s lush arrangement, which creates a sense of longing and instability.
A Forgotten Gem from the Emotional Rescue Era
This haunting ballad, penned by the Glimmer Twins, first emerged during the Emotional Rescue sessions at Compass Point Studios in Nassau in early 1979. Despite its introspective lyrics and moody atmosphere, the track was ultimately set aside, deemed inferior to other ballads like Indian Girl and All About You.
Rather than being lost to the archives, I Think I’m Going Mad resurfaced years later. The Stones revisited the song at Pathé Marconi Studios in Boulogne-Billancourt, refining its sound before giving it a final polish at the Hit Factory in New York City. Finally, in 1984, the track saw the light of day—not as a lead single, but as the B-side to She Was Hot.
A Song That Deserved More
Though it never made it onto a studio album, I Think I’m Going Mad remains a fascinating deep cut in the Rolling Stones’ catalog. Its melancholic lyrics, atmospheric instrumentation, and tormented delivery offer a raw glimpse into the band’s ability to channel vulnerability. Perhaps it was overlooked at the time, but for those who discover it now, the song stands as a compelling piece of the Stones’ vast musical legacy. With its introspective lyrics and soulful instrumentation, it belongs alongside the band’s finest ballads.
A Ballad in the Spirit of the Greats
The recording itself is full of fascinating sonic details. Instead of a traditional intro, the song fades in with Keith Richards’ strummed guitar, treated with emphatic phasing, alongside Charlie Watts’ bass drum hitting on the offbeat. Bill Wyman’s bass provides a deep, resonant foundation, adding to the track’s moody atmosphere. Two pianos—an electric, likely played by Mick, and an acoustic, probably played by Ian “Stu” Stewart—intertwine, adding richness to the arrangement.
Ronnie Wood’s Standout Contributions
Ronnie Wood’s presence is especially noteworthy. His pedal steel guitar shimmers in the refrains, giving the song a slightly ethereal, country-tinged feel. Then, at 2:22, he delivers a series of clear, expressive guitar licks—most likely played on his Stratocaster—that elevate the song’s intensity. These flourishes add to the track’s haunting beauty, making it a standout moment in the Rolling Stones’ deeper catalog. Though it never became a major hit or a staple of the Stones’ live performances, I Think I’m Going Madremains a fascinating and overlooked piece of their discography. Its intricate arrangement, emotional weight, and stellar musicianship make it a hidden treasure for fans who dig beyond the band’s biggest hits. Perhaps it was ahead of its time, or simply lost in the shuffle—but for those who take the time to listen, it’s a song that lingers long after the final note fades.
A Unique Vocal Performance and Atmospheric Saxophone
The saxophone on I Think I’m Going Mad is played with impressive skill by Mel Collins, though some sources have speculated that David Sanborn might be responsible for the part. The instrument’s rich, reverberated tone adds a dreamy, almost hypnotic quality to the song. Mick Jagger, meanwhile, delivers a vocal performance filled with warmth and nuanced intonation—qualities that are somewhat lacking in certain tracks from Undercover. His expressive delivery gives the song a unique character, elevating it beyond a standard ballad.
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