Jerry Ragovoy (using the pseudonym “Norman Meade”) orginally wrote “Time Is On My Side” (recorded by jazz trombonist Kai Winding and released by Verve Records in October 1963.)
In 1964 songwriter Jimmy Norman completed the lyrics to “Time Is On My Side” moments before Irma Thomas recorded the song in the studio. The original 1963 song lyrics initially only consisted of “Time is on my side” and “You’ll come runnin’ back”.
In June of that year The Rolling Stones recorded a version that incorporated elements of Thomas’s recording. I am a pretty huge Stones fan (circa 64-74 era) but I must admit to preferring Thomas’s version. Give it a listen and you can decide for yourself.
–Ars longa, vita brevis–
Time Is On My Side (A-side “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” -Imperial Records- 1964)
