“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something magical about live performances that studio recordings just can’t capture. The raw energy, the unfiltered emotions, the palpable connection between the band and the audience—all come together to create a unique experience. One such unforgettable performance is the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” live in East Rutherford, New Jersey, back in ’81. If you weren’t there, don’t worry—I’m here to share the magic with you.
Picture this: It’s the early ’80s, and the Rolling Stones are in their prime, known worldwide for their electrifying stage presence and timeless rock anthems. On this particular night in East Rutherford, they took the stage, and from the very first riff of “Start Me Up,” the crowd was hooked. The stadium was alive, buzzing with anticipation and excitement.
Mick Jagger, with his unmistakable swagger and boundless energy, commanded the stage like no other. He had this incredible ability to make every person in the audience feel like he was performing just for them. His voice, gritty yet melodic, was perfect for the song’s upbeat, rebellious vibe. And then there was Keith Richards, effortlessly cool as always, his guitar playing a seamless extension of his soul. Together, they created a sonic experience that was both powerful and intimate.
“Start Me Up” is one of those songs that just gets under your skin—in the best way possible. Its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus make it impossible not to move. Live, it’s even more dynamic. You can feel the bass thumping in your chest, the drums driving the beat forward, and the guitars weaving a rich tapestry of sound. The Stones were masters at this, at turning a simple rock song into an anthem of freedom and fun.
But beyond the technical brilliance, what makes this performance so special is the emotion behind it. There’s a sense of joy, of sheer delight in performing, that radiates from the band. You can see it in their interactions, the way they play off each other, the smiles and glances they share. It’s clear they’re not just playing music; they’re living it, sharing it with every person there.
This particular night in ’81 wasn’t just another concert. It was a moment in time where music transcended the notes and lyrics, becoming a shared experience of pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. It’s the kind of memory that stays with you, that you tell stories about for years to come.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what it felt like to be there, to be part of that electrifying crowd, just close your eyes, crank up “Start Me Up,” and let the Rolling Stones take you back. Trust me, you’ll feel the magic too.
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Lyrics
If you start me up
If you start me up I’ll never stop
If you start me up
If you start me up I’ll never stop
I’ve been running hot
You got me ticking gonna blow my top
If you start me up
If you start me up I’ll never stop
Never stop, never stop, never stop
You make a grown man cry
You make a grown man cry
You make a grown man cry
Spread out the oil, the gasoline
I walk smooth, ride in a mean, mean machine
Start it up
If you start it up
Kick on the starter give it all you got, you got to, you got to
I can’t compete with the riders in the other heats
If you rough it up
If you like it I can slide it up, slide it up, slide it up, slide it up
Don’t make a grown man cry
Don’t make a grown man cry
Don’t make a grown man cry
My eyes dilate, my lips go green
My hands are greasy
She’s a mean, mean machine
Start it up
Start me up
Give it all you got
You got to never, never, never stop
Slide it up
Baby up just slide it up
Start it up, start it up, start it up
Never, never, never
You make a grown man cry
You make a grown man cry
You make a grown man cry
Ride like the wind at double speed
I’ll take you places that you’ve never, never seen
If you start it up
Love the day and we will never stop, never stop, never stop, never stop
Tough me up
Never stop, never stop
You, you, you make a grown man cry
You, you make a dead man cum
You, you make a dead man cum