Start Me Up

The Rolling Stones' 'Start Me Up' is a song that captures the essence of relentless energy and the invigorating power of rock and roll. Released in 1981 as the lead single from their album 'Tattoo You,' the song became one of the band's most recognizable hits. The lyrics, delivered with Mick Jagger's iconic swagger, speak to the idea of being ignited by a powerful force, metaphorically represented by a lover or perhaps the music itself, that once started, cannot be stopped.

The repeated phrase 'If you start me up I'll never stop' serves as a chorus that emphasizes determination and the unstoppable nature of the singer's drive. The song uses car imagery, such as 'kick on the starter' and 'ride in a mean, mean machine,' to symbolize the raw power and excitement that the subject brings to the singer's life. This metaphor extends to the emotional response elicited, where the singer admits that this force can 'make a grown man cry,' suggesting a profound impact that shakes the very core of his being.

The song's energy is not just in its lyrics but also in its iconic guitar riff and the band's dynamic performance. 'Start Me Up' is a testament to The Rolling Stones' ability to create music that is both timeless and viscerally stimulating. It's a song that celebrates the thrill of being alive, the joy of being moved by something so deeply, and the desire to keep that feeling going forever. The Stones manage to encapsulate the spirit of rock and roll's eternal flame—a flame that, once lit, refuses to be extinguished.