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Rolling Stones songs: She Saw Me Coming

*Click for MORE ROLLING STONES SONGS 1962-PRESENT

She worked so fast/ And she didn’t mess around/ It was all over/ Before the sun go down…

Written by: Jagger/Richards
Recorded: Ocean Way Recording Studios, Los Angeles, USA, June 6-298 2005
Guest musicians: Blondie Chaplin (backing vocals)
*Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012

From the The Rolling Stones – All the Songs, The Story Behind Every Track book:
Mick Jagger wrote “She Saw Me Coming” either at his château in Pocé-surCisse, France, or else at his luxurious property on Mustique. Did the Stones singer find himself in a position of weakness? One way or the other, the woman he describes in the song puts him through a tough time. She makes him feel like a stupid jerk, screwed him over, and burglarized [his] soul. And the worst thing is that she saw him coming but he did not see her…

“She Saw Me Coming” is a mid-tempo rock number that could easily have been given a reggae makeover. It is a good song, melodious and catchy. The track’s title is chanted so often that it sticks in the memory. Mick Jagger’s voice, supported by the excellent Blondie Chaplin, back with the band again after having previously worked on Bridges to Babylon, sounds just right: rock-infused and not without a touch of humor. It is also Mick on bass, and it has to be said that he does a good job of it, his straightforward playing providing ideal support for the drums. Charlie Watts gives a superb demonstration of groove, with unfailingly efficient pickups on the snare drum.

The Stones singer also seems to be supporting Charlie on percussion, playing what is probably a shaker or the maracas, but this is not really audible. The main riff of the track is clearly played by Keith, probably on his 5-string Telecaster tuned in open G, and it is important to underscore the extent to which his contribution respects the phrasing and pacing that is essential to the groove of this track. This is a refinement that not all rhythm guitarists have managed to incorporate into their playing…

The other guitar is taken care of by Ronnie, who accompanies his bandmates with some excellent half-rock, half-funk rhythm playing into which he inserts some very good licks. This is one of the main strengths of “She Saw Me Coming.” At 1:39 two very brief slide interjections can be heard that could be the work of either guitarist. Finally, Keith is indicated as playing the piano, but it is impossible to hear him.