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Rolling Stones Songs: Too Rude
Oh little girl/ You never want me/ Tomorrow night you say/ You need my key…
Written by: Lindon Roberts Recorded: Pathé Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Apr. 8-June 17 1985; RPM Studios, NYC, USA, July 16-Aug. 17 & Sept. 10-Oct. 15 1985; Right Track Studios, NYC, USA, Nov. 15-Dec. 5 1985 Guest musicians: Jimmy Cliff (background vocals), Chuck Leavell (keyboards) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
More about The Rolling Stones’ version of Too Rude
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
Too Rude: The Stones Go Deep into Reggae
In 1986 the Rolling Stones dropped Too Rude, a reggae-infused deep cut that oozes Keith Richards’ grit and dub-heavy swagger. But its roots go deeper than you’d think. Originally titled Winsome, the track was first recorded by Jamaican artist Half Pint (Lindon Andrew Roberts), becoming his breakout No. 1 hit back home. The Stones reimagined the song after Keith discovered it in a Holland studio. Percussionist Sydney Wolfe was the one who told Half Pint about the band’s interest and their slower, more ballad-style rock version. As Half Pint put it, “They had rock with a pop feel.” Keith’s vocal delivery brings a raw emotional punch, while producer Steve Lillywhite layers in thick echo, giving the bass and drums a hazy dub texture. There’s even a 10-minute alternate take—organ-heavy, stripped-down, and hauntingly spacious. Fun fact: before Dirty Work was finished, Too Rude was actually considered as the album title.
Steve Lillywhite’s Touch and Keith’s Roots
Steve Lillywhite became the Stones’ first new producer following Jimmy Miller’s exit after Goats Head Soup (1973) With U2 on his recent resume and British reggae group Steel Pulse in his past, Lillywhite brought both polish and dub know-how. This made Too Rude more than just another genre experiment—it became the Stones’ most convincing reggae track. Meanwhile, Keith’s love for reggae had taken root back in 1972 during a trip to Jamaica, and it shows. The story behindthe song isn’t just about musical style—it’s about transformation. The lyrics tell of a mesmerizing woman admired by all, yet destined to fall after rejecting a loyal admirer. With guest contributions from reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and that slow-burning production, Too Rude is more than a cover—it’s a statement.
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