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Rolling Stones songs: It Won’t Take Long
And it won’t take long to forgive ya/ But it’s hard to forget/ ‘Cause it seems like it’s yesterday/ The day that we first met…
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Studio France, West Indies, Nov- 2004; Henson Recording Studios, Los Angeles, USA, March 7-9 and June 6-28 2005 Guest musicians: Chuck Leavell (organ) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
More about ‘It Won’t Take Long’ by The Rolling Stones
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni This song stands proudly in the long-standing tradition of great Rolling Stones rock’n’roll anthems. Even as the Glimmer Twins had crossed into their sixties, they remained steadfast in their musical essence, and It Won’t Take Long serves as undeniable proof of their enduring energy and creative spark. Keith Richards adds an exciting twist by reimagining a riff that feels both familiar and refreshingly new, demonstrating that even after decades, the Stones can still surprise and innovate.
Lyrically, the song carries a biting edge, as it turns its focus once again toward women—or, more specifically, certain women. These are the ones depicted as capable of gaining immense fortune or losing their very soul in a fleeting moment. However, the real theme that resonates even deeper than the portrayal of this (possibly ungrateful!) figure is time itself. In It Won’t Take Long Mick Jagger zeroes in on the fleeting and unforgiving nature of time, delivering the poignant lines, “And it won’t take long to forget you/Time, it passes fast.” The song becomes a powerful reflection on impermanence, woven into the Stones’ classic rebellious spirit.
It’s hardly surprising that this album, crafted solely by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards without input from other band members, places a strong emphasis on guitars—particularly the iconic riffs that have long defined the Rolling Stones. True to form, Keith kicks off the song with his unmistakable signature guitar style, setting the tone for a track that surges forward with impressive energy. The driving force behind this momentum is Charlie Watts’ stellar drumming, highlighted by a crisp and commanding snare that propels the song to new heights.
Interestingly, Mick contributes on rhythm guitar, but his playing remains uncharacteristically restrained. While his part adds to the overall texture, it’s a shame he doesn’t take the opportunity to explore a more dynamic interplay with Keith and Ronnie, especially given the progress he displayed on Bridges to Babylon. On that record, Mick proved he had developed the chops to hold his own alongside his bandmates, capable of engaging in a more intricate musical dialogue. Despite this missed opportunity, the track is a testament to the enduring chemistry between Mick and Keith, with their guitar-driven songwriting taking center stage once again.
For now, the responsibility of bridging rhythm and lead guitar duties falls to Ronnie Wood, who shines brightly on this track. His performance is a standout, showcasing a level of brilliance that feels rejuvenated—perhaps a reflection of the clarity and focus gained through his detox journey. Ronnie’s playing here, as well as on the two preceding tracks, is inventive, melodically rich, and characterized by a tone that fits perfectly within the Stones’ sonic palette. These qualities, while not always consistent in his past recordings, are on full display, making his contributions particularly noteworthy.
Darryl Jones handles the bass but seems to adopt an overly cautious approach, resulting in a performance that feels static. His effort to keep things simple strips the bassline of dynamism, leaving it somewhat underwhelming. Meanwhile, Chuck Leavell, who offered a brief but noticeable organ part at the end of Rough Justice, is practically invisible here; his contribution is so subtle it borders on inaudible. While It Won’t Take Long delivers a solid dose of rock, it struggles to leave a lasting impression. The track lacks the emotional depth and vitality needed to elevate it beyond the status of filler, despite its competent execution. Sadly, the song was never played live.
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