The story behind 'Waiting on a Friend' — Jagger and Richards both had a hand, but at different times

“Waiting on a Friend” started life during the Goats Head Soup sessions in 1972–73. Mick Jagger wrote the lyrics and melody, and Keith Richards contributed the signature riff. But the song didn’t make the cut and sat on the shelf for nearly a decade.

When the Stones needed material for Tattoo You in 1981, they pulled the track back out. Richards reworked his guitar part, and they brought in saxophonist Sonny Rollins for that gorgeous solo. The final version sounds effortless — which makes sense, because it was essentially two different moments in the band’s history stitched together.