The Last Time – The Rolling Stones

About the Song

“The Last Time” by The Rolling Stones is one of the band’s early hits that perfectly exemplifies their raw, rebellious sound and their growing mastery of rock and roll. Released in 1965, it was the first single that showcased the Stones’ ability to blend blues, rock, and R&B influences into something uniquely their own. The song marked a significant step in the band’s evolution, as it departed from the cover-heavy repertoire they had relied on in their earlier years and signaled their growing confidence in writing original material. Co-written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “The Last Time” was not just another hit; it was a pivotal moment in the Stones’ career.

The song’s lyrics are both personal and universal, touching on themes of heartbreak, longing, and the complexity of relationships. The narrator speaks about a painful breakup, with the repeated line “This could be the last time” suggesting a final farewell, a moment of closure. However, the ambiguity of the song’s message—whether it’s truly the last time or merely another chapter in a troubled relationship—adds a layer of depth to the lyrics, making it relatable to listeners who have experienced the tumultuous emotions of love and loss.

Musically, “The Last Time” is driven by an infectious, churning rhythm and an iconic, repeating guitar riff that sets the tone for the track. The Stones’ ability to create memorable, gritty guitar hooks is on full display here, with Keith Richards’ unmistakable rhythm playing and Brian Jones’ complementary slide guitar adding texture and atmosphere. The song has a haunting, almost hypnotic quality, with its driving beat and the underlying sense of tension that builds throughout the track.

Mick Jagger’s vocal delivery in “The Last Time” is one of his earliest examples of the aggressive, yet emotional, style that would become his trademark. His voice alternates between pleading and defiant, perfectly capturing the anguish and frustration of the song’s protagonist. The backing vocals, provided by Keith Richards and the rest of the band, add to the intensity, giving the song an echoing, almost anthemic quality as they harmonize with Jagger’s lead.

The production of the song, overseen by Andrew Oldham, is raw and energetic, with a distinctive “live” feel that captures the Stones’ energy and spontaneity in the studio. Unlike some of their more polished contemporaries, the Rolling Stones embraced a rougher, more untamed sound, which helped to set them apart in the mid-’60s rock scene.

Released as a single, “The Last Time” became a hit in both the UK and the US, reaching the top 10 in both countries. It was also included on the album “Out of Our Heads” (1965), which marked the first time the Rolling Stones’ music began to feature more original songs than covers. The track’s success and its signature riff made it an enduring classic and an early example of the kind of rebellious, powerful rock that would come to define the Stones’ legacy.

“The Last Time” is a song that embodies the restless energy of youth and the emotional complexity of relationships, all while showcasing the brilliance of the Rolling Stones’ songwriting and performance. With its iconic riff, soulful vocals, and passionate delivery, it’s a song that remains a staple in the Rolling Stones’ catalog and a beloved classic in the history of rock music.

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Lyrics: “The Last Time”

Well I told you once and I told you twice
But you never listen to my advice
You don’t try very hard to please me
With what you know it should be easy

Well this could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I don’t know
Oh no, oh no

Well, I’m sorry girl but I can’t stay
Feelin’ like I do today
It’s too much pain and too much sorrow
Guess I’ll feel the same tomorrow

Well this could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I don’t know
Oh no, oh no

Well this could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I don’t know
Oh no, oh no

Well I told you once and I told you twice
That someone will have to pay the price
But here’s a chance to change your mind
‘Cause I’ll be gone a long, long time

Well this could be the last time
This could be the last time
Maybe the last time
I don’t know
Oh no, oh no

Last time baby
To say no more
Baby I don’t know
Well, I don’t know
Well, I don’t know
I don’t know
Well, I don’t know
Well, I don’t know
Well, I don’t know
Well, I don’t know
Well, I don’t know
Well, I don’t know
Well, I don’t know