Paul McCartney once said that invoking another artist while you write songs can free up a lot of the anxiety that comes with the craft. While you wouldn’t imagine Mick Jagger ever feeling a shred of anxiety, he did once pen a song with another artist in mind. For whatever reason, Jagger once invoked one of his progeny: Bono. Find out which song the Rolling Stones frontman wrote with the U2 member in mind below.
The Song Mick Jagger Wrote With Bono in Mind
Jagger tapped the Irish singer to feature on his 2001 release, “Joy.” That decision was apt, given that he was inspired by Bono to write the song in the first place. Jagger drops his usual fair for something far more akin to U2’s music. Their “spiritually inspired” sound moved Jagger to lean into gospel tones.
“That’s why I thought of him to be on it,” Jagger once said of “Joy.” “I wrote it and thought this could be something he could do really well…He takes it on very quickly. Pete Townshend plays on it too, and he’s another guy that’s spiritually inspired.”
“I like ‘Joy’ because it conveys the happiness in creation through gospel combined with rock, without being beholden to a gospel form,” Jagger added. “Making rock music into gospel is something I’ve never done before; I’ve always gone into gospel.”
While the sound of “Joy” is gospel-tinged, the lyrics also look to a high power. I drove across the desert / I was in my four wheel drive / I was looking for the Buddha / And I saw Jesus Christ, Jagger sings, showcasing a rare side of himself. Jagger has many songs about religious icons, but “Joy” sees him dissect his place in the world. It would find a comfortable home in U2’s devout catalog.
Mick Jagger’s Collaborations
Jagger has collaborated with many artists over the years. While many musicians of his caliber wouldn’t play as well with others, Jagger has never been shy about taking notes from his fellow stars.
Among his list of collaborators are David Bowie, Carly Simon, Dave Stewart, the Jacksons, and The Chieftains. Each of his collaborations sees Jagger slant his sound. It’s an easy way to get some variety in your catalog–something Jagger seems to care about greatly.