Rolling Stones Top Ten: Hang Fire (#10)

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In memory of Charlie Watts, and to celebrate one of the longest-lasting bands in rock and roll, I’m counting down my favorite Rolling Stones songs. The countdown is all over the place, of course. And we’re starting right here. #10: Hang Fire And the video to this song shows just how cool Charlie Watts was. You notice he wasn’t the least bit interested in syncing up with the music. The term hang fire means to do nothing. While this is a fun rocker, there’s a dark meaning behind it: Mick and Keef were taking direct aim at the bad times in England during the late 70s. This got a lot of airplay on FM rock stations (along with the album’s “Little T and A,” one of the songs Keith sang lead on) back in the days when FM rock would actually play something more than the same three songs by an act. I was always happy to hear it come on the radio. I’m still happy to hear it. Hang Fire Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards From Tattoo You, 1981 Ten thousand dollars, go and have some fun: