The Rolling Stones’ Unreleased “Drift Away” Cover Is Their Best Kept Secret

The Only Rock And Roll Sessions, 1974

Written by songwriter and producer Mentor Williams in 1972, ‘Drift Away’ is essentially a love song to all things rock and roll, made famous by soul singer Dobie Gray in 1973. In 1974, English rockers The Rolling Stones recorded a cover of ‘Drift Away’ that was originally intended for their album It’s Only Rock And Roll but was eventually scrapped in favor of ‘Ain’t Too Proud To Beg’; unfortunate, because judging by this unreleased bootleg, it was absolutely amazing!

Where Dobie Gray’s rendition was soft yet immensely powerful and soulful, The Rolling Stones version is all things rock and roll; it’s slightly gritty, and has a warm, friendly feeling that makes you feel like grabbing a few buddies and singing along over a beer or two.

Fun Fact: This cover was an attempt by The Rolling Stones to get back to their more blues driven brand of rock and roll.

Sure, the original ‘Drift Away’ packs an emotional punch that resonates with everyone – that’s why everyone from The Rolling Stones to Uncle Kracker had to get their hands on their very own rendition of it. However, it speaks to the power of the song that it’s crossed so many genres and inspired The Rolling Stones enough to want to share that message. While it never saw the light of day in the form of an album, it’s pretty safe to say that this cover is definitely The Rolling Stones’ best kept secret!

+ Drift Away lyrics +

Day after day, I’m more confused
Yet I look for the light through the pourin’ rain
You know that’s a game that I hate to loose
And I’m feelin’ the strain, ain’t it a shame

Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away
Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away

Beginnin’ to think that I’m wastin’ time
I don’t understand the things I do
The world outside looks so unkind
Now I’m countin’ on you to carry me through

Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away
Yeah, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away

And when my mind is free
You know a melody can move me
And when I’m feelin’ blue
The guitar’s comin’ through to soothe me

Thanks for the joy that you’ve given me
I want you to know I believe in your song
And rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You help me along makin’ me strong

Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away
Give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock ‘n’ roll and drift away

Oh-ho, ah-no
Give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock n roll
And drift away

Hey, hey, hey, yeah
Give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock n roll
And drift away

Na, na, now won’t ya
Won’t ya take me
Oh-ha, take me