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About Laugh, I Nearly Died by The Rolling Stones
I’ve been travelling, but I don’t know where/ I’ve been wandering, but I just don’t care…
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Studio France, West Indies, Nov- 2004; Henson Recording Studios, Los Angeles, USA, March 7-9 & June 6-28 2005 Guest musicians: Darryll Jones (bass) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
More about Laugh, I Nearly Died by The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger probably wrote Laugh, I Nearly Died while recording the soundtrack for the movie Alfie. The song’s about a heartbroken man who ditches everything to travel the world – Rome, Greece, Africa, even Arabia! (where he has “seen a million stars and been sipping champagne on the boulevards…”) He even froze his buns off in India, but all this jet-setting hasn’t helped him forget his ex. It seems the variety of landscapes and experiences has not helped him overcome his loneliness or forget the woman he loves. The title says it all – he’s laughing on the outside, but dying inside. Maybe this trip isn’t about forgetting, but finding something new to give his life meaning. The music itself has a gospel feel, recorded at Mick’s fancy home studio in Pocé-sur-Cisse, France.
As for its music, Charlie Watts sets a slow beat for the song, and Mick and Keith join in on guitars. Mick lays down a distorted bluesy rhythm, while Keith adds a funky counterpoint using the higher frets and throwing in some cool licks. It seems Ronnie’s nowhere to be found on this track. Bassist Darryl Jones keeps things low-key on bass, with a muffled, almost groovy sound. Charlie’s drumming is tight and precise, probably following a drum machine pre-programmed by Mick, with the whole thing creating a dark and moody atmosphere.
With his newfound enthusiasm for self-expression, the Stones’ singer also takes to the keyboards, incorporating pads and an electric piano with a swirly phasing effect akin to a Leslie. He also handles various percussion instruments, like the tambourine and maracas. Additionally, Mick sings the different backing vocal parts, which have a distinctly gospel flavor, delivering both low and falsetto tones. The track concludes with an a cappella section featuring backing vocals, hand claps, and a floor tom. The Stones’ singer shines once again, making Laugh, I Nearly Died one of the best songs from the A Bigger Bang album. The bad side? It was never played live, like hundreds of other great Rolling Stones songs.
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