Mick Jagger is as timeless as they come. His enduring status as a rockstar is paralleled by very few, and his cultural capital is bar none.
Videos by American Songwriter
Jagger and his swagger (which might be the only thing that rhymes with Jagger—at least it seems to be the first thing people reach for) is something many musicians have highlighted in their songwriting. From Ke$ha to The Black Eyed Peas, find four songs that make nods to The Rolling Stones member, below.
[RELATED: The Mischievous Meaning Behind The Rolling Stones’ “She’s a Rainbow”]
1. “Tik Tok” – Ke$ha
One of the most famous Jagger namedrops comes from Ke$ha‘s 2009 release, “Tik Tok.” And now the dudes are linin’ up ’cause they hear we got swagger / But we kick ’em to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger, she sings in her breakout hit. Now, it’s been said that Ke$ha was making nods to Harry Styles with this line—given her crush on the boy bander and his striking resemblance to the rock icon. Nevertheless, Jagger’s cultural significance is well on display here. Ke$ha very well might have introduced a whole new generation to The Rolling Stones frontman, keeping his legacy alive.
2. “Moves Like Jagger” – Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
One of Jagger’s calling cards is the unique dancing he employs while on stage. It’s deeply distinctive and hard to replicate. It’s been the crux of many a song, but one of the best is “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera. Look into my eyes and I’ll own you / With them moves like Jagger / I’ve got them moves like Jagger, frontman Adam Levine sings. Though we’re not sure that just anyone doing Jagger’s signature dance move would have a seductive effect, we appreciate the younger generation of rockers paying homage to one of their forefathers.
3. “Heart and Soul” – Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers referenced two rock greats in their track “Heart and Soul.” You’ve gotta feel the beat before you can move / Even though you’re not wearing blue suede shoes / And making mistakes / But that won’t matter / If you can swagger like ol’ Mick Jagger, they sing, nodding to both Elvis and Jagger. Given that the song’s message is about having the amount of heart and soul needed to “rock n’ roll,” there couldn’t be a better artist to name-drop than the enduring frontman.
4. “The Time (Dirty Bit)” – The Black Eyed Peas
All-all these girls, they like my swagger / They callin’ me Mick Jagger / I be rollin’ like a Stone, the lyrics to The Black Eyed Peas‘ “The Time (Dirty Bit)” read. Once again, Jagger’s signature “swagger” gets the spotlight. Jagger is an icon that can’t be defined by one genre. While many rockers have exalted him, he gets props in the R&B and pop spaces as well.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
