Mick Jagger has clarified that his “mad mogul” lyric in The Rolling Stones’ new track “Mr Charm” is intended as a “sidewinding compliment” to Elon Musk, not a disparaging critique. Speaking to The New York Times, the frontman explained that the line acknowledges Musk’s role in providing essential space transportation when NASA could not, despite the potentially loaded terminology.
The Origin of the “Mad Mogul” Lyric
The song “Mr Charm” from the band’s 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues, features lyrics that reference childhood dreams of traveling to Mars. In the verse, Jagger asks, “And who would take you into space? Who would you really trust? Is it Boeing, is it NASA, is it mad mogul Mr Musk?”
Following the album’s release, some listeners interpreted the description as a slight against the Tesla billionaire. Jagger pushed back against this reading in his interview with The New York Times. He noted that critics often fixate on individual words rather than the narrative arc of the line. “They hear one word, and they don’t really listen to the line,” Jagger said. While he admitted to calling Musk “mad,” he clarified that the sentiment was rooted in the billionaire’s ability to facilitate space travel during a period when other agencies struggled to provide the necessary transportation for astronauts.
Did you know?
The Rolling Stones have expanded their promotional efforts for Foreign Tongues with a six-part official podcast series titled Speaking In Tongues. The series is narrated by Norah Jones and includes fresh interviews with band members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts.
Collaborations and Creative Direction
Foreign Tongues continues the band’s tradition of high-profile collaborations. The record features contributions from Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, Steve Winwood, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. It also includes posthumous appearances by Charlie Watts.
The project has received critical attention, with NME awarding the album three-and-a-half stars and describing it as “fresh and refined.” The review noted that the band has hit a “surprising purple patch.” Beyond his own work, Jagger has expressed admiration for contemporary artists, specifically citing Sam Fender’s People Watching as an “excellent” album, noting that he has “had his Sam Fender moments lately.”
Future Plans for The Rolling Stones
Despite the recent release of Foreign Tongues, Jagger has already signaled that the band’s creative output is not slowing down. He confirmed to NME that he is already writing material for the next album. This work ethic aligns with his recent comments regarding the recording process, where he described his recent collaboration with Paul McCartney as a “very easy” experience.
Pro Tip:
When analyzing song lyrics for intent, look at the full verse rather than isolated keywords. As Jagger pointed out, context—such as the reference to NASA’s transportation challenges—often changes the meaning of descriptors like “mad mogul.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is featured on The Rolling Stones’ album ‘Foreign Tongues’?
The album features collaborations with Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Steve Winwood, Chad Smith, and includes posthumous appearances by Charlie Watts.
Is the song ‘Mr Charm’ a criticism of Elon Musk?
No. Mick Jagger clarified to The New York Times that the song is a “sidewinding compliment” acknowledging Musk’s role in space transportation.
Are The Rolling Stones planning another album?
Yes. Mick Jagger told NME that he is already writing material for a follow-up to Foreign Tongues.
What do you think of the band’s latest creative direction? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the latest music releases.
Worth a look