Moves Like Jagger

Song Meaning and Background of Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5

The song "Moves like Jagger" was created by Benjamin Levin, also known as Benny Blanco, Shellback, and Adam Levine, who also contributed to the writing. Levine responded when questioned about the song, "It was one of those songs that was definitely a risk; it's a bold statement. We've never really released a song like that. But it's exciting to do something different, do something new. I'm just happy everyone likes it."

Levine responded to media reports that he sought songwriting assistance from sources outside than his own band by saying, "What I've learned from the recent few months is that it's OK to collaborate with other songwriters [...] I was always kind of staunchly opposed to it in the past, I think almost to a fault. I think I've got a lot to offer as a songwriter, but everybody hits a wall".

He continued by praising Mick Jagger, the song's source of inspiration, saying, "Jagger has the moves like Jagger. That being said, if there was ever someone to aspire to, I don't think anyone could claim to have the moves like James Brown, or the moves like Michael Jackson, or the moves like Prince [...] There's something about the way [Jagger] moves that is uniquely his own and hard to imitate, but also accessible and silly and fun, and not taking itself too seriously".

With the additon of Christina Aguilera to the track, Levine stated that "there's a lot of bravado in this song" and that their idea was that "if [they] could share vocals with a female, it would kind of curb the cockiness a little bit in a way that was more welcoming".

Levine praised Aguilera stating that, "Christina is an incredible singer. There aren't many people out there that can sing like she can. And that was definitely like, well, let's just - let's have her really knock this out. And she did it in two seconds".

It was first performed in June 2011 on an episode of The Voice, where both Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera were coaches. The music video was directed by Jonas Akerlund. It featured old video footage of Jagger and his iconic dance moves.

Aguilera's vocals were Auto-Tuned, but the effect was used sparingly. The song became the band's biggest hit in the US, reaching number one on the Hot 100. In the UK, it had the highest ever pure sales total for a single that never reached #1 (until 2021 when Wham's "Last Christmas" broke this record).

Lyrics of Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5

[Adam Levine:]

Oh

Oh

Just shoot for the stars

If it feels right, then aim for my heart

If you feel like

And take me away

And make it OK

I swear I'll behave

You wanted control, so we waited

I put on a show, now I'm naked

You say I'm a kid

My ego is big

I don't give a shit

And it goes like this, uh

Take me by the tongue and I'll know you (Uh)

Kiss me 'til you're drunk and I'll show you

You want the moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger (Uh)

I don't need to try to control you (Uh)

Look into my eyes and I'll own you

With them moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger

Maybe it's hard, when you feel like

You're broken and scarred, nothing feels right

But when you're with me

I'll make you believe

That I've got the key

Oh, so get in the car, we can ride it

Wherever you want, get inside it

And you wanna steer, but I'm shifting gears

I'll take it from here (Oh, yeah, yeah)

And it goes like this, uh

[Adam Levine {Christina Aguilera}:]

Take me by the tongue and I'll know you (Uh)

Kiss me 'til you're drunk and I'll show you

You want the moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger (Woo, uh)

I don't need to try to control you (Oh yeah)

Look into my eyes and I'll own you

With them moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger {Yeah, yeah, yeah}

I've got them moves like Jagger

[Christina Aguilera {Adam Levine}:]

Uh, you wanna know, how to make me smile?

Take control, own me just for the night

And if I share my secret

You're gonna have to keep it

Nobody else can see this (Uh)

So watch and learn, I won't show you twice

Head to toe, ooh baby, rub me right, yeah

And if I share my secret

You're gonna have to keep it

Nobody else can see this

Hey, hey, hey, yeah

{And it goes like this, uh}

[Adam Levine (Christina Aguilera):]

Take me by the tongue and I'll know you (Take me by the tongue)

Kiss me 'til you're drunk and I'll show you (Yeah, yeah)

You want the moves like Jagger

I've got the moves like Jagger

I've got the moves like Jagger (Oh yeah)

I don't needa try to control you (Ooh)

Look into my eyes and I'll own you (Ooh)

With them moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger

I've got them moves like Jagger