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Rolling Stones unreleased: What Am I Living For?
Also known as: If Not For You Written by: Art Harris/Fred Jacobson Recorded: RCA Studios, Hollywood, USA, Aug-Sept. 1978 Guest musicians: Ian McLagan (organ)
From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012: This song, made popular by Chuck Willis in the late ’50s, was also covered by Carl Perkins and The Animals. It’s played with some irony as Keith awaited his fate. An electric organ accompanies Mick Jagger’s plaintiff lyrics and a stinging guitar on this slow cruiser.
Among the Rolling Stones’ vast catalog lies a lesser-known treasure: What Am I Living For?—an unreleased track recorded in the summer of 1978 at RCA Studios in Hollywood. Originally penned by Art Harris and Fred Jacobson, the song had already enjoyed life through renditions by Chuck Willis (the very first recording), The Everly Brothers, Carl Perkins and The Animals, among others (there’s also a great version by The Jacobites!) Yet the Stones brought their own unique twist, layering Mick Jagger’s plaintive vocals over a slow, moody groove. The electric organ played by guest musician Ian McLagan adds a rich, haunting texture, complementing the stinging guitar riffs.
This track captures a moment of reflection and irony (not to mention its heartbreaking lyrics) reportedly recorded as Keith Richards awaited uncertain times ahead. Despite its unreleased status, What Am I Living For? offers fans a rare glimpse into the band’s creative process and emotional undercurrents during the late ’70s.
The Sound and Story Behind the Track
The song’s deliberate pacing and somber tone set it apart from the Stones’ more raucous hits. Mick’s voice carries a vulnerability that feels both personal and universal, with lyrics that seem to question purpose and direction. Keith’s guitar work cuts through gently but with undeniable edge, weaving between Ian McLagan’s organ melodies to create an atmospheric backdrop. This slow cruiser stands as a subtle but compelling chapter in the Stones’ story, revealing a side of the band shaped by introspection and change. While never officially released, the track remains a poignant reminder of the band’s musical range and their knack for reinterpreting classic material with fresh emotion.
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