LYRICALLY PEAKING: Through the Past Darkly

1969 album Through the Past Darkly > subtitled Big Hits Vol 2 > was just that, a collection of Stones hits over the preceding few years, several of them not on previous albums.

Jumpin’ Jack Flash

I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag

I was schooled with a strap right across my back

But it’s all right now, in fact it’s a gas

But it’s all right

I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash, it’s a gas, gas, gas

 

I was drowned, I was washed up and left for dead.

I fell down to my feet and I saw they bled.

I frowned at the crumbs of a crust of bread.

Yeah, yeah, yeah

I was crowned with a spike right thru my head.

Ruby Tuesday

Don’t question why she needs to be so free

She’ll tell you it’s the only way to be

She just can’t be chained

To a life where nothing’s gained

And nothing’s lost, at such a cost

 

There’s no time to lose, I heard her say

Catch your dreams before they slip away

Dying all the time

Lose your dreams

And you will lose your mind

Ain’t life unkind?

Honky Tonk Women

I met a gin soaked bar-room queen in Memphis

She tried to take me upstairs for a ride

She had to heave me right across her shoulder

Cause I just can’t seem to drink you off my mind

It’s the Honky Tonk Women

Give me, give me, give me the honky tonk blues

All lyrics by Mick Jagger/Keith Richards, except where otherwise specified.