WATCH: Mick Jagger releases two songs inspired by the ‘anxiety’ of the political climate

Recorded in April, Sir Mick says ‘England Lost’ and ‘Gotta Get A Grip’ were direct responses to the “confusion and frustration with the times we live in” and the "anxiety, unknowability of the changing political situation".

Mick adds: “We obviously have a lot of problems. So am I politically optimistic? … No”

They have been rush-released, as, according to Mick, “I didn’t want to wait until next year when these two tracks might lose any impact and mean nothing.”

Explaining the meaning behind ‘England Lost’, which uses a football match as an analogy for the political climate, Mick said: “Ostensibly, it’s about seeing an England football team lose, but when I wrote the title I knew it would be about more than just that.

“It’s about a feeling that we are in a difficult moment in our history. It's about the unknowability about where you are and the feeling of insecurity. That’s how I was feeling when I was writing. It's obviously got a fair amount of humour because I don’t like anything too on the nose but it's also got a sense of vulnerability of where we are as a country."

“Right from the off when I started writing ‘England Lost’, I imagined having a British rapper on the track... Skepta stepped in at a moment’s notice and I just loved what he did.”

Reflecting upon ‘Gotta Get A Grip’, Mick added: “The message I suppose is - despite all those things that are happening, you gotta get on with your own life, be yourself and attempt to create your own destiny”.

Both accompanying videos were directed by Saam Farahmand, with ‘Gotta Get A Grip’ starring Jemima Kirke (Girls) and ‘England Lost’ featuring Luke Evans (The Hobbit).

The songs are Mick’s first solo songs since 2011 and his first material altogether since The Rolling Stones’ ‘Blue & Lonesome’ last December.

‘Gotta Get A Grip’ and ‘England Lost’ are available in Double A side limited edition 12” vinyl, CD and digital download formats now.