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Rolling Stones songs: Sweethearts Together
Everyone’s so cynical/ And says that love won’t last/ Think about your future/ Stop living in the past…
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Ronnie Wood’s Sandymount Studios, Kildare, Ireland, July 9-Aug. 6 and Sept. 1993; Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 3-Dec. 10 1993 ; Don Was’ Studio and A&M Studios, Los Angeles, USA, Jan. 15-Apr. 1994 Guest musicians: Chuck Leavell (organ), Bernard Fowler & Ivan Neville (backing vocals), Flaco Jiménez (accordion), Max Baca (bass), Luis Jardim (percussion) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
In a bold move that might both surprise and bewilder their fans, the Rolling Stones explore a distinctly exotic pop sound on this track. Even more unexpectedly, Mick Jagger sings about the virtues of a harmonious relationship. He touches on themes of love as a partnership—sharing burdens, healing each other’s wounds, and two hearts beating in sync. A far cry from the rebellious image typically associated with Jagger and the Stones! The track’s Tex-Mex flavor is brought to life by guest musicians like Texan accordionist Flaco Jiménez, Max Baca (founder of the renowned Tex-Mex group Los Texmaniacs), and Portuguese percussionist Luis Jardim. Their combined efforts add a rich, cross-cultural layer to Sweethearts Together, making it a standout in the Stones’ catalog for both its musicality and message.
In Flaco Jiménez’s words: “I was on tour playing in San Francisco three months ago while they were recording in Hollywood, and at the gig I get a message in the dressing room from Don Was. I said, ‘Who in the hell is Don Was?’ Then they said he was producing the Stones and they wanted me to go record with them. I almost flipped, man. Wowee, good news. The next day I was in the studio with them, didn’t have time to listen to the song or do homework at all.”
If there’s a single track that encapsulates the spirit of this album while also marking the renewed bond between the Glimmer Twins, it’s undoubtedly Sweethearts Together. This song serves as both a musical and emotional centerpiece, embodying the unity and reconciliation between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The harmonious tone of the track not only reflects the duo’s personal reconnection but also highlights a softer, more collaborative side of their relationship, contrasting with the tension of past years. In many ways it stands as a symbolic testament to their enduring partnership and creative chemistry.
Producer Don Was: “They were standing eyeball-to-eyeball, about 18 inches apart.… They did this incredible Everly Brothers– type harmony all the way through the song. I thought it was very cool, but the people in the control room who had worked with them for 10 or 15 years were like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening!’”
In a similar fashion, Mick and Keith both start off playing acoustic guitars in sync. As the track progresses, Keith transitions to electric rhythm guitar, delivering a distinct vibrato that gives the song its edge. Meanwhile, Ronnie Wood adds depth with both the pedal steel guitar and lap steel, showcasing his talent through some impressive solo breaks. As the song reaches its closing chorus, the backing vocalists bring a surprising touch of emotion, singing “Chihuahua” with heartfelt intensity, adding an unexpected but memorable flourish to the track.
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