The “really hard” 1989 Rolling Stones song Mick Jagger always struggled to sing

Mick Jagger said the Rolling Stones’ 1989 song ‘Mixed Emotions’ was difficult to perform live because its forceful verses shift into a melodic chorus. The challenge helps explain why the song, despite being a single and a regular part of the band’s 1989 and 1990 shows, was later dropped from their set.

Keith Richards rejected claims that the title referred to Jagger’s demotion during a difficult period in their relationship, though he acknowledged that song lyrics can carry unintended double meanings. The Stones played ‘Mixed Emotions’ twice in 2016, but soon removed it from their set again; Jagger had described the live transition as feeling as if the song were speeding up.