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Rolling Stones unreleased: Far Away Eyes (early take)
Before Far Away Eyes became one of the most playful country detours in The Rolling Stones catalog, it rolled through the studio as Truckdriver Blues. Recorded during the Some Girls sessions in France in 1977, this early version reveals a looser, rougher band still shaping its personality. Inspired by the Bakersfield sound, Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard, and Buck Owens, the Stones mixed honky-tonk spirit with their own swagger. The unreleased take feels less polished but full of charm, offering fans a rare backstage pass to hear how a casual jam slowly transformed into a sharp, witty classic.
Original Title: Truckdriver Blues Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: EMI Pathé Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Oct. 10-Dec. 1977 *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book The Rolling Stones Complete Recording Sessions 1962-2012
More about Far Away Eyes (early take) by The Rolling Stones
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
‘Truckdriver Blues‘; The Origins of Far Away Eyes
Before becoming the country-infused classic Far Away Eyes, this track had a different identity. Originally titled Truckdriver Blues, the song was part of the sessions for Some Girlsat EMI Pathé Marconi Studios in France between October and December 1977. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were diving deep into their love for American country music, particularly inspired by the Bakersfield sound and the storytelling style of artists like Gram Parsons. The influence of classic country artists such as Merle Haggard and Buck Owens was evident in the song’s twangy guitar licks and honky-tonk piano. Jagger’s exaggerated Southern drawl on the final recording was a playful nod to the genre’s vocal style. This period marked an adventurous phase for the Stones, as they experimented with different genres, seamlessly blending rock, punk, and country into their signature sound. Far Away Eyes stands as a testament to their versatility and admiration for American roots music.
A Different Feel from the Final Version
The early take of Far Away Eyes carries a looser, more laid-back approach than the official album cut. While the final version is dripping with exaggerated Southern twang and Jagger’s playful spoken-word delivery, this early incarnation is more raw and stripped-down. The instrumentation is less polished, and the arrangement is slightly different, giving it a more traditional country blues feel. Ronnie Wood’s steel guitar work is already present, but the tempo and phrasing suggest they were still experimenting with the song’s character.
Why It Remains Unreleased
Despite its charm, this early take never saw an official release. The band fine-tuned the track, adding more personality and humor to what would become a standout moment on Some Girls. Like many Stones outtakes, Truckdriver Bluesremains a fascinating glimpse into their creative process. Bootlegs have surfaced over the years, allowing die-hard fans to hear the song’s evolution before it became the version we all know. This early take is a reminder of how the Rolling Stones could effortlessly switch between genres while keeping their unmistakable swagger intact.
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