The 1980s marked a pivotal and often transformative decade for The Rolling Stones, as the band navigated changing musical landscapes, internal tensions, and the challenge of remaining relevant in the MTV era. Despite these pressures, the Stones delivered some of their most commercially successful work, including the chart-topping album Tattoo You, which produced enduring hits like “Start Me Up.” The decade also saw the group experimenting with contemporary production styles, blending their blues-rock roots with elements of pop, funk, and new wave.
While personal and creative differences—particularly between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards—occasionally overshadowed the music, the band’s global tours reaffirmed their status as one of rock’s most powerful live acts. By the end of the ’80s, The Rolling Stones had not only survived the era but reasserted their place as a defining force in rock history.
The Rolling Stones’ 1986 single “Harlem Shuffle” marked a vibrant return to their rhythm-and-blues roots, offering a stylish and groove-heavy reinterpretation of the 1963 original by Bob & Earl. Featured on their album Dirty Work, the track blends soulful horns, a swaggering beat, and Mick Jagger’s expressive vocals, capturing the band’s ability to honor classic R&B while giving it a contemporary ’80s edge.
The song’s lively arrangement and polished production helped it stand out during a turbulent period for the group, showcasing their enduring versatility and deep affection for American soul music. “Harlem Shuffle” remains a memorable moment in the Stones’ catalog—a funky, spirited cover that reconnects the band with the influences that shaped their early sound.
The song peaked at No. 13 in the UK Singles Chart on 22nd March 1986.
| A-Side | Harlem Shuffle (3:24) (Bob Relf, Earl Nelson) Produced By Steve Lillywhite, The Glimmer Twins |
| B-Side | Had It With You (3:18) (Jagger, Richards, Wood) Produced By Steve Lillywhite, The Glimmer Twins |
| Genre | Rock, Pop, Rhythm & Blues |
| Release Date | March 1986 |
| Label | ROLLING STONES |
| Catalogue Number | A 6864 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 15th March 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 13 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 05 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [5 Weeks] – 15th March 1986 – 12th April 1986 |
Officially Released Versions
Harlem Shuffle (Single Version) (3:24)
Harlem Shuffle (NY Mix) (6:35)
Harlem Shuffle (London Mix) (6:22)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
You move it to the left, yeah, and you go for yourself
You move it to the right, yeah, if it takes all night
Now take it kinda slow
With a whole lot of soul
Don’t move it too fast
Just make it last
You scratch just like a monkey
Yeah ya do, real cool
You slide it to the limbo
Yeah, how low can you go?
Now come on baby, come on baby!
Don’t fall down on me now
Just move it right here to the Harlem Shuffle
Huh, yeah, yeah, yeah, do the Harlem Shuffle
Yeah, yeah, yeah, do the Harlem Shuffle
Hitch me hitch hike baby, across the floor
Whoa, whoa, whoa, I can’t stand it no more
Do do the Monkey Shine
Yeah, yeah, yeah, do the Harlem Shuffle
Now come on, baby (oh, come on baby!), now get into your slide
Just ride, ride, ride little pony ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, do the Harlem Shuffle
Yeah, yeah, yeah, do the Harlem Shuffle
(Do the Monkey Shine)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, shake your tail feather, baby
(Shake shake, shake shake)
(Shake shake, shake shake)
Come on
Come on
Do the Harlem Shuffle
Get down
Get down
Do the Monkey Shine
Written By Robert Nelson Relf, Earl Lee Nelson
