"Scarlet" is written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and produced by Jimmy Miller.[1] It is described as "a raw, scratchy, loose limbed and actually rather sweet ditty with a cod reggae feel and lots [...] of guitars".[2] The lyrics narrate "a girl named Scarlet who is doing [Jagger] wrong".[2] It was recorded in October 1974.[3] Jagger stated that the song originated in musician Ronnie Wood's home in Richmond, London during a studio session with Richards and guitarist Jimmy Page,[2] while Richards recalled walking in during the end of rock band Led Zeppelin's session, after which their guitarist, Page, "decided to stay".[3] It is thought to be titled after Page's daughter, Scarlet Page.[4] When asked why it went unreleased for nearly 50 years, Jagger said that the song "wasn't really a Rolling Stones record".[5]
Remixes
On 14 August 2020, the band released a remix by rock band The War on Drugs, which introduced "a pulsing new groove that kicks into double-time for the chorus".[6] A second remix, featuring rock band The Killers and DJ Jacques Lu Cont was released on 28 August. It involved "a resonant, reverberating opening" and "layers of symphonic touches".[7]
Music video
The music video stars Irish actor Paul Mescal, and was filmed at Claridge's Hotel in London with social distancing.[8] It depicts Mescal in hotel rooms and empty bars,[9] leaving the titular character desolate voice messages, drinking, dancing, and eventually collapsing in the lobby.[5] The music video was directed by Chris Barrett and Luke Taylor, and released on 6 August 2020.[10]