About the song
The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” is a standout track from their 1978 album Some Girls, showcasing the band’s ability to blend rock with soulful, introspective lyrics. This enduring piece exemplifies the band’s versatility and their capacity to create music that resonates with audiences across generations.
Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Beast of Burden” reflects a period of transition and experimentation in the band’s music. The song embraces a smoother, more polished sound compared to their earlier raw rock roots, while still maintaining the core elements that have made The Rolling Stones so iconic.
“Beast of Burden” is renowned for its smooth, soulful groove, marked by a laid-back rhythm and a distinctive, melodic guitar riff. The track showcases Jagger’s emotive vocal delivery and Richards’ refined guitar work, blending elements of rock, soul, and even a touch of funk. The lyrics, which explore themes of emotional burden and longing, are delivered with a sense of vulnerability and sincerity, adding depth to the song’s appeal.
Upon its release, “Beast of Burden” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s success was further amplified by its inclusion in the Some Girls album, which was critically acclaimed for its innovative approach and diverse musical influences.
The track’s enduring popularity is a testament to The Rolling Stones’ ability to craft music that resonates with audiences over the decades. “Beast of Burden” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its soulful melody and reflective lyrics. Listening to this song today, one can appreciate how it captures both the essence of its era and the timeless artistry of The Rolling Stones, making it a cherished piece in the legacy of rock music.
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Lyrics
I’ll never be your beast of burden
My back is broad but it’s a-hurting
All I want for you to make love to me
I’ll never be your beast of burden
I’ve walked for miles, my feet are hurting
All I want for you to make love to me
Am I hard enough?
Am I rough enough?
Am I rich enough?
I’m not too blind to see
I’ll never be your beast of burden
So let’s go home and draw the curtains
Music on the radio
Come on baby make sweet love to me
Am I hard enough?
Am I rough enough?
Am I rich enough?
I’m not too blind to see
Oh, little sister
Pretty, pretty, pretty girls
Ooh, you’re a pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty girl
Pretty, pretty, such a pretty, pretty, pretty girl
Come on, baby, please, please, please
I’ll tell ya
You can put me out
On the street
Put me out
With no shoes on my feet
But put me out, put me out
Put me out of misery, yeah
All your sickness, I can suck it up
Throw it all at me
I can shrug it off
There’s one thing, baby
I don’t understand
You keep on telling me
I ain’t your kind of man
Ain’t I rough enough? Ooh, honey
Ain’t I tough enough?
Ain’t I rich enough? In love enough?
Ooh, please
I’ll never be your beast of burden
I’ll never be your beast of burden
Never, never, never, never, never, never, never be
I’ll never be your beast of burden
I’ve walked for miles, my feet are hurting
All I want is you to make love to me
Yeah
I don’t need no beast of burden
I need no fussing
I need no nursing
Never, never, never, never, never, never, never be