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Rolling Stones songs: She’s So Cold
Who would believe you were a beauty indeed/ When the days get shorter and the nights get long…
Released as the second single from Emotional Rescue, She’s So Cold was backed by Send It to Me but didn’t set the charts ablaze. Despite its modest chart performance, the song remains a fan favorite, thanks to its infectious groove and tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
Mick Jagger, who reportedly wrote the song in just an hour, paints a vivid contrast between burning passion and an unyielding heart. The narrator, consumed by love, likens himself to “a bleeding volcano”, desperate for warmth. Yet, his affection is met with an icy indifference—his love interest is as “cold as a tombstone”.
Is there a deeper meaning behind the song? Perhaps not. She’s So Cold thrives on its raw energy and playful frustration rather than hidden symbolism. It’s a classic Stones track—cheeky, relentless, and impossible to ignore.
Mick Jagger’s Electrifying Performanceon She’s So Cold
Mick Jagger is the undeniable driving force behind She’s So Cold. His energy is relentless, his enthusiasm contagious, and his delivery brimming with playful innuendo. Watching the promotional video shot by David Mallett in July 1980 makes it clear just how much Jagger pours into the performance—nothing seems capable of holding him back. His charisma alone propels the song forward, making it an unforgettable moment in the Stones’ catalog.
Keith and Ronnie’s Guitar Work
Keith Richards kicks off the track with a palm-muted riff enhanced by his MXR analog delay pedal, crafting a rockabilly-inspired sound likely played in open-G tuning. Throughout the song, he delivers a solid foundation, complemented by Ron Wood’s additional rhythm work and occasional slide flourishes. Ronnie Wood also takes on both pedal steel solos, but they come across as somewhat underwhelming—lacking the fire that Jagger brings to the track.
The Rhythm Section and a Missed Opportunity
Bill Wyman’s bass stands out with a bold, melodic approach that avoids genre clichés, while Charlie Watts locks in the groove with his signature precision, helping to make She’s So Cold an irresistible listen. However, one element feels underused—Bobby Keys. His only contribution is a fleeting saxophone effect at 2:01, leaving listeners wishing he had played a bigger role in the song’s texture.
The Impact of She’s So Cold: Bringing the Stones to MTV
The She’s So Cold music video played a crucial role in introducing The Rolling Stones to a new generation. When MTV launched in 1981, the network became a gateway for American teenagers to discover bands their parents had grown up with. By keeping the Stones front and center in their videos, they bridged the generational gap and remained a relevant force in rock.
Directed by David Mallet, one of the pioneers of music video filmmaking, the video took a straightforward yet effective approach. Unlike his high-concept work on David Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes or Peter Gabriel’s Games Without Frontiers, Mallet opted for a raw performance piece. The Stones are shown on a soundstage designed like a grid, playfully hamming it up as they power through the track.
This no-frills approach worked brilliantly. The energy and charisma of the band shined through, making the video a hit on MTV. It was a perfect introduction for younger audiences who, until then, had only known The Rolling Stones from their parents’ vinyl collection.
Willie Nile and the She’s So Cold Controversy
When The Rolling Stones released She’s So Cold in 1980, it raised a few eyebrows—especially from fans of American rocker Willie Nile. Nile had been performing a song with the same title and a similar sentiment since 1978, leading some to wonder if the Stones had borrowed a little too much inspiration.
As soon as the Stones’ track hit the airwaves, Nile’s phone started ringing off the hook. DJs and reporters were eager to get his reaction, asking if he felt The Rolling Stones had copied his song. While some suggested he should take legal action, Nile never entertained the idea. “No way am I going to be in that category of suing the Stones. Forget it! I loved the Stones. If it influenced their song, fine,” he later told Songfacts.
Mick Jagger, when questioned by a The Face magazine reporter about the similarity, dismissed the notion outright. He acknowledged knowing Nile but denied any plagiarism, saying, “I know Willie Nile, he’s a right little stirrer. He’s a sort of Latin kind of singer — no it’s not true, he’d be suing me if it was.”” Whether coincidence or influence, the controversy never escalated, and both songs have since carved out their own place in rock history.
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