About the song
Released in December 1968 as part of their album Beggars Banquet, “Sympathy For The Devil” is a track that remains one of the most evocative and memorable songs in rock history. This song represents a bold and innovative moment for The Rolling Stones, showcasing their willingness to explore complex and controversial themes through their music.
The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two of the founding members of the band. Jagger’s lyrics present a chilling narrative from the perspective of the Devil, recounting historical atrocities and human failings with a provocative blend of cynicism and charm. The composition itself is a masterful fusion of rock, blues, and samba rhythms, driven by Charlie Watts’s distinctive drumming and Richards’s captivating guitar work.
“Sympathy For The Devil” was not just a musical experiment; it was also a reflection of the era’s social and political unrest. Its controversial lyrics and infectious beat made it a standout track that captured the mood of the late 1960s. The song reached No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place as one of the Stones’ most influential tracks.
The song’s impact extended beyond its chart performance. Over the years, it has been interpreted in various ways, often sparking discussions about its themes of violence, morality, and historical reflection. Despite the controversy, it remains a testament to The Rolling Stones’ ability to push boundaries and challenge conventions, both musically and thematically.
In summary, “Sympathy For The Devil” is more than just a rock song; it is a cultural artifact that continues to provoke thought and intrigue. It highlights The Rolling Stones’ role in shaping the landscape of modern music while reflecting the complexities of its time.
Video
Lyrics
Yow, yow
Yow
Mm-huh
Mm-uh
Please allow me to introduce myself
I’m a man of wealth and taste
I’ve been around for a long, long year
Stole many a man’s soul and faith
And I was ’round when Jesus Christ
Had his moment of doubt and pain
Made damn sure that Pilate
Washed his hands and sealed his fate
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what’s puzzling you
Is the nature of my game
Stuck around St. Petersburg
When I saw it was a time for a change
Killed the Czar and his ministers
Anastasia screamed in vain
I rode a tank, held a general’s rank
When the Blitzkrieg raged and the bodies stank
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
Oh, yeah
Ah, what’s puzzling you
Is the nature of my game
Oh, yeah
I watched with glee while your kings and queens
Fought for ten decades for the gods they made
I shouted out, “Who killed the Kennedys?”
Well, after all, it was you and me
Let me please introduce myself
I’m a man of wealth and taste
And I laid traps for troubadours
Who get killed before they reach Bombay
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
Oh, yeah
But what’s puzzling you
Is the nature of my game
Oh, yeah
A-get down, baby
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
Oh, yeah
But what’s confusing you
Is just the nature of my game
Mm, yeah
Just as every cop is a criminal
And all the sinners saints
As heads is tails, just call me Lucifer
‘Cause I’m in need of some restraint
So if you meet me, have some courtesy
Have some sympathy and some taste
Use all your well-learned politesse
Or I’ll lay your soul to waste, mm, yeah
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
Mm, yeah
But what’s puzzling you
Is the nature of my game
Mean it
Get down
Woo-hoo
Ah, yeah
Get on down
Oh, yeah
Mm
Bum, ba-bum, bum, bum, ba-bum
Ba-bum, bum, bum, ba-bum
Bum, ba-bum, bum, bum, ba-bum
Bum, dum, bum, bum, ba-dum, da
Yeah
Ah, yeah
Tell me, baby, what’s my name?
Tell me, honey, can you guess my name?
Tell me, baby, what’s my name?
I’ll tell you one time, you’re to blame
Ooh-hoo, ooh-hoo
Ooh-hoo, alright
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh-hoo-hoo
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ah, yeah
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh-hoo-hoo
Ah yes, what’s my name?
Tell me, baby, what’s my name?
Tell me, sweetie, what’s my name?
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh-hoo-hoo
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh-hoo-hoo
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ooh-hoo-hoo
Ooh-hoo-hoo, ah, yeah