The Last Time
Written by: Jagger/Richards
Originally recorded by: The Rolling Stones


Well I told you once and I told you twice 
But ya never listen to my advice 
You don't try very hard to please me 
With what you know it should be easy 

Well this could be the last time 
This could be the last time 
Maybe the last time 
I don't know. Oh no. Oh no 

Well, I'm sorry girl but I can't stay 
Feelin' like I do today 
It's too much pain and too much sorrow 
Guess I'll feel the same tomorrow 

Well this could be the last time 
This could be the last time 
Maybe the last time 
I don't know. Oh no. Oh no 

Well I told you once and I told you twice 
That someone will have to pay the price 
But here's a chance to change your mind 
'Cuz I'll be gone a long, long time 

Well this could be the last time 
This could be the last time 
Maybe the last time 
I don't know. Oh no. Oh no 
Well, this could be the last time 

 

Documentation

This was inspired by a 1955 Gospel song of the same name by The Staples Singers. Many Gospel fans felt The Stones ripped it off, since The Staples Singers never got any royalties from it. Since it is a traditional song (meaning no one owns the rights to it), many artists have recorded it, but The Stones were a very high-profile band that had success reworking songs by black artists into hits. Many people believe The Stones should have compensated The Staples Singers because it was based on their version of the song. 
The Stones changed the meaning of the song, making it into a stern message to a girl. The Staples version had a more uplifting message and was much more spiritual. 

This song has also been covered by The Who, Jose Feliciano and Dwight Yoakam

Rick Springfield covered this song in concert:
11/15/01 Columbus, OH  Promowest Pavilion
05/05/04 Milwaukee, WI Potawatomi Casino

Footnote - the background picture was taken in Columbus, OH on 11/15/01 by Renata Hearn, around the time of the performance of this song.