The Rolling Stones

Lyrics

[Intro]
Yeow
Yeow
Yeow

[Verse 1]
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
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

[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what's puzzlin' you
Is the nature of my game

[Verse 2]
Stuck around St. Petersburg
When I saw it was a time for a change
Killed the Tsar and his ministers
Anastasia screamed in vain
I rode a tank
Held a general's rank
When the Blitzkrieg raged
And the bodies stank
[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name, oh yeah
Ah, what's puzzlin' you
Is the nature of my game, ah yeah

[Verse 3]
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?"
When 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

[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name, oh yeah
But what's puzzlin' you
Is the nature of my game, ah yeah
(Ah, get down heavy!)

[Instrumental Break 02:48-03:24]

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name, oh yeah
But what's confusin' you
Is just the nature of my game, mm yeah

[Verse 4]
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

[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guessed my name, mm yeah
But what's puzzlin' you
Is the nature of my game, mmm mean it
[Outro w/Guitar Solo]
Get down
Woo hoo!
Ah yeah, get on down
Oh yeah
Ba bum bum, ba ba bum
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
Ooo hoo, ooo hoo, oooo hoo
All right
Ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo
Ah yeah
Ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo
Ah yes, what's my name?
Tell me, baby, ah what's my name?
Tell me, sweetie, what's my name?
Ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo
Ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo
Ah yeah
What's my name...

For over half a century, The Rolling Stones have been regarded as one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. Their music has revolutionized the industry and transcended generations. Among their most iconic songs is "Sympathy for the Devil," a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and remained relevant since its release in 1968. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the legendary duo that has written some of the most famous songs in music history. It was part of their groundbreaking album, "Beggars Banquet," which marked a significant shift in their sound and style. "Sympathy for the Devil" was one of the first songs they recorded for the album, and it set the tone for what was to follow.

...

About Sympathy for the Devil

"Sympathy for the Devil" is a song that explores a unique perspective. It is sung in the first person, with Mick Jagger taking on the role of none other than Satan himself. This approach was a bold move for The Rolling Stones at the time, as it led to accusations of devil worship and stirred up controversy. However, the song's message is not to glorify evil but to highlight the flaws of humanity. Jagger's portrayal of Satan is not one of an all-powerful being, but rather a cunning and manipulative figure that has been present throughout history, taking advantage of humanity's weaknesses.

The lyrics of "Sympathy for the Devil" are cleverly crafted, with each verse referencing different historical events that could be interpreted as the work of the devil. From the crucifixion of Jesus to the Russian Revolution, Jagger uses his satirical wit to paint a vivid picture of the world's atrocities. The chorus, "Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name," serves as a clever introduction to the song's protagonist, with Jagger's voice alternating between a whisper and a sneer.

The song's inspiration comes from Mikhail Bulgakov's book, "The Master and Margarita," which tells the story of the devil and his gang wandering around Moscow in the 1930s, playing tricks on people. Jagger has cited the book as a significant influence on his writing, and its influence is evident in the eerie and slightly ominous tone of "Sympathy for the Devil."

The Rolling Stones faced backlash for the song, with claims of Satanism and accusations of being a bad influence. Some even believed that the song played a role in the tragic events that occurred at the Altamont Free Concert, where a fan was killed. However, it was later revealed that a different Rolling Stones song, "Under My Thumb," was playing at the time, and the band did not perform "Sympathy for the Devil" live for five years following the incident.

"Sympathy for the Devil" remains one of The Rolling Stones' most beloved songs, frequently cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Guns N' Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, and Jane's Addiction. Its catchy melody, brilliant lyrics, and unique perspective continue to captivate audiences today, cementing its place as a timeless classic in music history.

Whether it's political, social, or religious issues, "Sympathy for the Devil" remains relevant today, much like other timeless classics. The fact that the song is still as popular as it was when it was first released shows how significant it was and still is. As The Rolling Stones continue to perform, "Sympathy for the Devil" will undoubtedly remain a staple in their setlists and keep the devil center stage.

• Release Date: February 1, 1969
• Artist: The Rolling Stones