In 1969, The Stones initially recorded an acoustic rendition of this song. Subsequently, they recorded an electric version in 1971, marking it as the first completed track for the Exile on Main St. recording sessions. Engineer Andy Johns recalled a conversation with Mick Jagger in 2010, where he expressed his enthusiasm, believing it could be their next single. However, Johns disagreed, stating that it couldn’t rival hits like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” or “Street Fighting Man.” Surprisingly, Mick took his feedback into consideration. The mixing process posed some challenges, and just when it seemed perfect, Ahmet Ertegun unintentionally disrupted it. Despite the mix issues, Mick Jagger wanted to hear it on the radio. He instructed Ian Stewart to take the tape to a nearby FM radio station, and they’d listen in a limo. The surreal moment occurred as they drove down Sunset Strip, with Mick, Keith, Charlie, and Andy, eagerly awaiting the DJ’s first radio play. The sound quality in the car was less than ideal, leaving them uncertain about the song’s readiness. They requested the DJ to play it again, much to the chagrin of Stewart. Eventually, they gave it the nod of approval, and they moved on with their journey.
In 1971, The Stones decided to share their work in progress with a Los Angeles radio station to gauge its radio potential. This move triggered rumors that it might become the lead single from Exile on Main St., but ultimately, “Tumblin’ Dice” received that honor. During the recording sessions, producer Jimmy Miller stepped in to add percussion and even played some instruments himself. The band’s sporadic availability during the sessions, which occurred at a French villa rented by Keith Richards, led to Miller’s increased involvement in the album’s instrumentation.
Did You Know?
“All Down The Line”: This song is featured on their critically acclaimed album “Exile on Main St.,” which is often regarded as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. The album captures the essence of The Rolling Stones’ raw and unapologetic musical style.
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Lyrics
Yeah, heard the diesel drumming all down the line
Oh, heard the wires a humming all down the line
Yeah, hear the women sighing all down the line
Oh, hear the children crying all down the line(All down the line)
We’ll be watching out for trouble, yeah
(All down the line)
And we’d better keep the motor running, yeah
(All down the line)
Well, you can’t say yes and you can’t say no
Just be right there when the whistle blows
I need a sanctified girl with a sanctified mind to help me nowYeah, all the people singing all down the line
Mmmm, watch the men all working, working, yeah. (All down the line)(All down the line)
We’re gonna open up the throttle yeah
(All down the line)
We’re gonna bust another bottle, yeah
(All down the line)
I need a shot of salvation, baby, once in a while
Hear the whistle blowing, hear it for a thousand miles(All down the line)
We’re gonna open up the throttle, yeah
(All down the line)
We’re gonna bust another bottle, yeah
Well you can’t say yes, and you can’t say no
Just be right there when the whistle blows
I need a sanctified mind to help me out right nowBe my little baby for a while
Won’t you be my little baby for a while?
Won’t you be my little baby for a while?
Won’t you be my little baby for a while?