British-born singer-songwriter (born 1943) who, as frontman of the Rolling Stones for more than four decades, earned a reputation as one of the most dynamic and influential figures in the history of rock. His fruitful songwriting partnership with fellow band member Keith Richards yielded such iconic hits as “Satisfaction” and “Paint It Black”; when Rolling Stone magazine published its list of the “500 Greatest Songs in History,” 14 were written by the team of Jagger and Richards (coming in second only to Lennon and McCartney). Unsigned lyrics to the song “War Baby,” written in pencil in Mick Jagger’s hand on three lightly lined 8.25 x 10.75 sheets, no date. The song was originally released on the 1987 album Primitive Cool, Jagger’s second solo effort, which included guest artists Jeff Beck, G. E. Smith, Vernon Reid, and Dave Stewart. The lyrics read, in part: “I was born in the war/So they call me a war baby/I was born in a war/And it don’t make me war crazy/And the guns start to roar/As the fire sweeps the street/War war baby.... Why can’t we run this road together/Why can’t we hope to find a cure/But the arms race is on/And the tanks are all out/All the guns are in place/As we wait for the shout/And the army sweeps on and on/And the navy sails out/As they rush to the edge/As we wait for the shout/To arms; to arms....” In fine condition, with possible slight trimming to left edges, staple holes, and mild handling wear with some subtle wrinkling. Published lyrics in Jagger’s hand are quite elusive. COA Roger Epperson/REAL and R&R CO A.
