“Waiting on a Friend” is a rock ballad recorded by the iconic English rock band The Rolling Stones. It was released in 1981 as the lead single from their 17th studio album, Tattoo You.

The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the principal songwriting duo of The Rolling Stones.

“Waiting on a Friend” features a mellow, jazz-influenced sound with a laid-back groove and prominent saxophone melodies.

Lyrically, the song expresses a sense of loneliness and longing, with the narrator waiting for a close friend or companion.

Mick Jagger’s vocals on the track are subdued and emotive, conveying the melancholic tone of the lyrics.

The guitar work by Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood provides a warm, blues-rock foundation for the song.

The saxophone solos by Wayne Perkins add a soulful, melancholic quality that enhances the track’s wistful atmosphere.

“Waiting on a Friend” was praised by critics as one of the standout tracks on Tattoo You, showcasing the Stones’ musical maturity and songwriting depth.

The song’s music video, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, features the band members casually walking and interacting through the streets of New York City.

“Waiting on a Friend” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US and the top 10 in several other countries.

The track has since become a fan favorite and concert staple for The Rolling Stones, often included in their setlists over the years.

“Waiting on a Friend” is widely regarded as one of the most poignant and introspective songs in the Stones’ extensive catalog.

The track’s melancholic yet musically sophisticated sound helped broaden the band’s appeal beyond their typical hard-rocking image.

Overall, “Waiting on a Friend” stands as a touchstone of the Stones’ ability to craft emotionally resonant, blues-tinged rock ballads.