During the era, space exploration held significant prominence and likely had an impact on this particular song. Pink Floyd was producing music with a similar sonic quality. The psychedelic nature of the music resonated with the prevailing sentiments of the time, particularly during the summer of love in 1967.
The inspiration for this song came to Mick Jagger while he was incarcerated on drug-related charges. The Rolling Stones included it in their Steel Wheels tour repertoire in 1989. During one of their shows in Atlantic City, they broadcasted a performance of this song in 3D, requiring viewers to wear those distinctive, quirky glasses.
Various echo effects and drum sounds were incorporated through overdubbing to enhance the song’s texture. Brian Jones, the band’s lead guitarist, played a Mellotron, an early synthesizer, on this track. Jones was known for his proficiency in playing a variety of unconventional instruments during his tenure with the band, which spanned from their formation in 1962 until 1969. Unfortunately, he was dismissed due to a series of disputes with his bandmates regarding his reliability and contributions. Tragically, just a few weeks after leaving the band, the 27-year-old Jones drowned in his swimming pool.
In the 1990s, the psychedelic group The Brian Jonestown Massacre paid homage to the Stones’ psychedelic era, including this song, in their album titled “Their Satanic Majesties’ Second Request.”
Did You Know?
Did you know that “2,000 Light Years From Home” marked a departure from The Rolling Stones’ typical rock ‘n’ roll sound, delving into the realms of psychedelia and experimental music? This track showcases the band’s versatility and willingness to push musical boundaries.
Mick Jagger, the lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones, delivers a hauntingly beautiful performance in this song, accompanied by ethereal instrumentals that create an atmosphere of cosmic exploration.
Video
Lyrics
Sun turnin’ ’round with graceful motion
We’re setting off with soft explosion
Bound for a star with fiery oceans
It’s so very lonely, you’re a hundred light years from homeFreezing red deserts turn to dark
Energy here in every part
It’s so very lonely, you’re six hundred light years from homeIt’s so very lonely, you’re a thousand light years from home
It’s so very lonely, you’re a thousand light years from homeBell flight fourteen you now can land
See you on Aldebaran, safe on the green desert sand
It’s so very lonely, you’re two thousand light years from home
It’s so very lonely, you’re two thousand light years from home