About the song
The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” is a provocative and enduring masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release. Featured on their 1968 album Beggars Banquet, this track stands out for its ambitious exploration of themes that challenge conventional boundaries.
Penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Sympathy for the Devil” is a sonic and lyrical tour de force. The song’s rhythmic, samba-influenced beat sets a unique and haunting tone, distinguishing it from typical rock compositions of the era. Jagger’s charismatic and menacing vocals guide the listener through a narrative that delves into the darker aspects of human nature and history. The lyrics, which recount various historical atrocities through the voice of the Devil, are both controversial and captivating, inviting listeners to reflect on the nature of evil and human responsibility.
“Sympathy for the Devil” achieved significant commercial success upon its release, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the UK Singles Chart. Its blend of rock, blues, and Latin rhythms, combined with its provocative lyrical content, made it a standout track that continues to resonate with audiences. The song has been a staple in The Rolling Stones’ live performances, celebrated for its infectious groove and its ability to provoke thought and discussion.
The song’s impact extends far beyond its initial success. It has been widely praised for its innovative approach and remains a quintessential example of The Rolling Stones’ ability to address complex themes through music. “Sympathy for the Devil” is a testament to the band’s artistic vision and their skill in crafting songs that challenge and engage listeners, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in rock history.
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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