[1] Mick Jagger and Keith Richards collaborated extensively on writing and composing the song, which was recorded in late 1977.

These included in particular Ronnie Wood's use of a pedal steel guitar for a solo and highlights, an instrument used on other songs from the album such as "Shattered" and "When the Whip Comes Down.

The verses of the song are half sung, half spoken, with Jagger using a parodic Southern accent: I was driving home early Sunday morning through Bakersfield Listening to gospel music on the coloured radio station And the preacher said, 'You know, you always have the Lord by your side' Well, I was so pleased to be informed of this that I ran twenty red lights in His honor Thank you, Jesus.

It is performed in the concert film, Some Girls: Live in Texas '78, featuring fiddle player Doug "the Ragin' Cajun" Kershaw.

During their Zip Code Tour the Stones performed "Far Away Eyes" at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee on 17 June 2015.