Overview
"Waiting on a Friend" is a song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and originally released as a single in November 1988. The track was later included on the band's 1989 studio album Steel Wheels.
Background and composition
The song originated from sessions for the Rolling Stones' 1978 album Some Girls, but was not completed at that time. It was revisited in the mid‑1980s during the production of Dirty Work and subsequently refined for Steel Wheels. Musically, the piece is a mid‑tempo rock ballad featuring a prominent saxophone solo performed by guitarist and occasional saxophonist Mick Jagger and a guest appearance by saxophonist Bobby Keys. Lyrically, the song reflects themes of friendship and the passage of time, with Jagger's verses depicting an encounter with an old acquaintance.
Release and reception
The single was released on 14 November 1988 in the United Kingdom and on 15 November 1988 in the United States. It reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart. Critics generally praised the relaxed, nostalgic tone of the track and highlighted its departure from the harder-edged material typical of the Stones' earlier catalog.
Music video
A music video directed by Jeff Basil directed features Jagger and Richards walking through New York City, culminating in a reunion at the iconic "Park Slope" neighborhood. The video received regular rotation on MTV and was noted for its understated, narrative style.
Legacy
"Waiting on a Friend" has appeared on several Rolling Stones compilation albums, including Jump Back: The Best of The Rolling Stones (1993) and Forty Licks (2002). The song remains a frequent inclusion in the band's live setlists during the late‑1990s touring cycle, often performed as a tribute to former saxophonist Bobby Keys, who died in 2014. Music historians cite the track as an example of the Rolling Stones' adaptability to contemporary pop‑rock sensibilities while retaining their characteristic lyrical storytelling.
