Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)

Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the smooth vibes of Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) by The Rolling Stones from their 1978 album Some Girls. This track, a cover of The Temptations’ 1971 hit, brings a dreamy, soulful edge to the Stones’ gritty rock sound. Originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song was a return to classic soul for The Temptations, topping both pop and R&B charts. The Stones’ version, however, strips away some of the original’s wistful romance, with Mick Jagger’s raw delivery and Keith Richards’ biting guitar riffs. Songwriter Whitfield himself noted, “It was anything but romantic,” but admitted it raked in the cash. The track’s live rendition in the 1981 tour, captured in Still Life, became a fan favorite, with Jagger’s emotive performance stealing the show.

Dig this trivia, Zoo Freaks: the Stones recorded their version between October 1977 and March 1978, with guest musician Ian McLagan laying down organ tracks to give it that soulful depth. Fans on Reddit’s Rolling Stones community rave about the live 1978 Texas performance, calling it a high-energy highlight of Some Girls. One fan even shared how The Temptations, in a 1980s radio interview, praised the Stones’ cover as one of their favorite renditions, appreciating the band’s unique rock-soul fusion. The song’s lyrics, about a man fantasizing over an unattainable love, hit differently with the Stones’ rougher edge—Jagger’s ad-libbed “she doesn’t fucking know me” in the 1981 live version adds a cheeky, raw twist. IORR.org, a dedicated Stones fan site, notes the track’s rarity in later setlists, making those early live performances pure gold.

Let’s rewind to how The Rolling Stones got their start. Formed in London in 1962, the band—led by Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), and Brian Jones (multi-instrumentalist)—drew inspiration from American blues and R&B. Early gigs in small clubs like the Crawdaddy Club built their rep as a raw, rebellious act. Jones, the original leader, named the band after a Muddy Waters song and pushed their bluesy sound, but Jagger and Richards soon took the creative helm. With Bill Wyman on bass and Charlie Watts on drums, the Stones honed their gritty style, contrasting the cleaner pop of The Beatles. By the mid-1960s, hits like (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction cemented their global fame. Despite lineup changes—Jones’ departure in 1969, Wyman’s exit in 1993, and Watts’ passing in 2021—the Stones remain a powerhouse, with Ronnie Wood on guitar since 1975 and Jagger and Richards still driving the band’s relentless energy.

Stay connected with The Rolling Stones at their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for live updates, throwback photos, and fan chatter. For deeper dives, check out fan-run sites like IORR.org or join the Rolling Stones Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories, rare bootlegs, and love for the band. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the good vibes rolling!