Beginning with a strong swell of Nicky Hopkins's String Synthesizer, before a mix of electric piano and organ provide a melancholic wash over this dreary tale. Jagger's uses a deep bluesmen's voice for the song as he spits out the story more in speech then singing. This leads to a nice transition to the angelic chorus of 'ooh daddy you're a fool to cry' The dialogue of the song gives it a nice feel, re imagining an important event possibly Jagger is the child..probably not but it's nice to interpret things like this.
Once again wrapped in a hazy, foggy vibe that defined their 70s output it lacks an assured guitar part from someone like Brian Jones or Mick Taylor who would take the song to an unlikely dimension. Thankfully though the band do just that as they pick up the pace for the outro as the song swings and churns into a swing punctuated by slide guitar licks and Hopkins' pervading String Synth sailing along; a roller coaster of moods composed expertly.
I'll admit when I first heard this song a few years ago it didn't strike me like Memory Motels' hesitant opening notes, I found it too bland but now I appreciate the unique 'quiet storm' atmosphere more due to the tasteful change of gears at the end similar to Zeppelin' Rain Song four years prior; specifically the floating string synth part by Nicky Hopkins. I also love the refreshingly raw subject that is all about parenthood over say the standard romance/heartbroken dilemma of 90% of lyrics.
A subtle slice of haunting easy listening that is in keeping with the wounded theme of the albums' other ballad and the title but you can't help feeling the tacky attempt at funk Hot Stuff, the cover of Cherry Oh Baby as well the other heavy songs don't feel as if they belong with the same time frame let alone album. They're not as memorable or as fitting to the mood and maybe should have been let off for the harder edged Some Girls album.
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