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Rolling Stones Songs: You Can’t Catch Me

New Jersey Turnpike in the wee wee hours/ I was rolling slowly ’cause of drizzlin’ showers..

Written by: Chuck Berry
Recorded: Regent Sounds and IBC Studios, London, England, June 24-26 and Sept. 2 1964

*Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012

*Click for MORE ROLLING STONES SONGS 1962-PRESENT

More about The Rolling Stones‘ Version of You Can’t Catch Me

*By Marcelo Sonaglioni

Chuck Berry’s Need for Speed Inspires a Rock Classic

Before it became part of The Rolling Stones’ early catalogue, You Can’t Catch Me had its roots in Chuck Berry’s real-life adrenaline rush. One night after a New York gig, Berry was driving his Buick down the New Jersey Turnpike when a group of convertibles tried to race him. The police soon appeared, but the incident ended without trouble—and with a spark of inspiration. Berry turned that highway showdown into a rock ’n’ roll story, blending the excitement of the road with a girlfriend by his side and the radio blasting. Speaking to Record Mirror in 1967, Berry revealed, “This was a yearning which I had since I was aged seven to drive about in a car. It was my fascination for the roads, for driving, motoring, which prompted me to write those songs.” His love of speed and sound helped define an entire generation’s musical spirit.

From Chess Studio to the Stones

You Can’t Catch Me was only the third song Chuck Berry ever recorded at Chess Studios. Laid down on May 21, 1955, it was paired with Havana Moon and released the following year—but despite its drive and swagger, the track never reached the charts. It did, however, feature in the 1956 rock film Rock, Rock, Rock, securing its place in the cultural soundtrack of the era. Fast forward to 1964: The Rolling Stones chose to breathe new life into the song for The Rolling Stones No. 2 in the UK and Now! in the U.S. It also held special meaning for Bill Wyman, who recalled it as the first rock and roll song he heard during his time in the National Service RAF—marking the start of his musical awakening.

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