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Rolling Stones unreleased:What Am I Gonna Do with Your Love?
A GOSPEL-INFUSED STONES GEM What Am I Gonna Do With Your Love? is a hidden Rolling Stones treasure from the Dirty Work sessions. Mick leads with his signature swagger, Keith backs him up, and a killer lineup of guests — Kirsty MacColl, Patti Scialfa, Don Covay, and Bobby Womack — crank up the gospel vibes. Rumor has it Tom Waits even sprinkled in some piano magic. Rock, soul, and gospel collide in one surprisingly heartfelt, unreleased gem.
Also known as: What Are You Gonna Do With My Love? ; Your Love Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: EMI Pathé Marconi Studios, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Apr. 8-June 17 1985; RPM Studios, NYC, USA, July 16-Aug. 17 1985 (Dirty Work sessions) Guest musicians: Tom Waits (piano), Kirsty MacColl, Patti Scialfa, Don Covay and Bobby Womack (backing vocals)
From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012: The band are joined on this gospel track by their guest artists who perform a credible vocal-orientated song. Mick Jagger takes the lead vocals and Keith Richards the backing vocals. Kirsty MacColl, Patti Scialfa, Don Covay and Bobby Womack do the gospel invocation of “your love”. Tom Waits possibly plays the piano at the session in New York. He was recoding his next album Rain Dogs in New York at the same time as the Stones and Keith took time out to play on a couple of tracks. What Am I Gonna Do With Your Love?started life in Paris under the title Your Love with Chuck Leavell (or possible one of the Glimmers) on electric piano. Keith directs the vocals and the song’s tempo is worked on by Mick.
What Am I Gonna Do With Your Love? is one of those unreleased Rolling Stones tracks that feels like a secret jewel from the Dirty Work sessions. Recorded between Paris and New York in 1985, the song blends rock swagger with gospel soul, making it a surprisingly heartfelt moment in the Stones’ catalog. Mick Jagger leads with his unmistakable voice while Keith Richards provides backing, creating a layered, almost call-and-response energy. The track comes alive thanks to a roster of guest artists — Kirsty MacColl, Patti Scialfa, Don Covay, and Bobby Womack — delivering gospel-style invocations of “your love,” while Tom Waits possibly adds his signature piano touch.
Born as Your Love in Paris, with Chuck Leavell or another Glimmer on electric piano, the song was shaped in meticulous collaboration: Keith directing the vocal harmonies, Mick driving the tempo. The result is a soulful, layered track that hints at the band’s versatility, their willingness to experiment, and their knack for turning even unreleased songs into compelling musical stories.
Collaborations That Shine
The track’s magic lies in its ensemble feel. The Stones weren’t just performing; they were orchestrating a mini gospel choir, inviting diverse voices to elevate the song. From Womack’s rich tone to Scialfa and MacColl’s harmonies, each contribution reinforces the gospel vibe while keeping the Stones’ signature energy intact.
Paris to New York: The Journey of Your Love
Originally tracked in Paris, the song evolved across studios and continents. Keith and Mick’s hands-on approach — guiding vocals and tempo — ensured cohesion, even as guest musicians added layers of soul. The cross-continental recording process mirrors the song’s blend of rock and gospel, turning an unreleased track into a fascinating artifact of the Stones’ 1985 creative pulse.
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