About the song
Few bands have defined the raw spirit of rock and roll quite like The Rolling Stones, and “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” stands as one of their most defiant and celebratory anthems. Released in 1974 as the lead single from their album It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll, this song captures the band’s rebellious attitude, their enduring love for music, and their refusal to conform to critics or industry expectations. With its infectious guitar riff, swaggering vocals, and sing-along chorus, the track remains a staple of the Stones’ legacy, embodying the essence of their rock ‘n’ roll philosophy.
Release and Album Context
“It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” was released as a single on July 26, 1974, preceding the full album It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll, which hit shelves on October 18, 1974. This period marked a transitional phase for The Rolling Stones, as they were moving away from the blues-heavy sound of their late-’60s work and experimenting with a more polished, stadium-rock style that would define their output in the mid-to-late ’70s.
This was also the last album to feature guitarist Mick Taylor, who had contributed significantly to the band’s sound during his tenure. Interestingly, the title track itself was recorded separately from the rest of the album, in a session largely orchestrated by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, with contributions from future Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood—a hint at the lineup change that was soon to come.
Meaning and Message
At its core, “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll” is a tongue-in-cheek response to critics and skeptics who questioned the band’s artistic direction. The lyrics play with the idea that rock music doesn’t need to be complex, overly serious, or groundbreaking—it simply needs to be enjoyed. Jagger sings with a mix of irony and sincerity:
“If I could stick my pen in my heart, and spill it all over the stage,
Would it satisfy ya, would it slide on by ya,
Would you think the boy’s insane?”
These lines reflect the pressure artists feel to constantly reinvent themselves and appease audiences. However, instead of giving in to these expectations, The Rolling Stones double down on their love for rock ‘n’ roll, making it clear that, regardless of trends or opinions, they’re here to play music their way.
Social and Cultural Impact
Upon its release, “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll” became an instant fan favorite, solidifying its place as one of the band’s signature songs. While it didn’t achieve the same level of critical acclaim as some of their earlier hits like “Gimme Shelter” or “Sympathy for the Devil”, it resonated deeply with listeners, especially at a time when rock music was evolving and splintering into different subgenres.
The song’s rebellious tone and sing-along chorus made it a concert staple, often used as a set-closer or encore. Over the decades, it has been played hundreds of times on their world tours, with fans shouting along to the now-iconic line:
“But I like it, yes I do!”
The track also influenced later rock and punk bands, reinforcing the idea that authenticity and energy matter more than musical perfection. Artists like Joan Jett, Guns N’ Roses, and Oasis have echoed the same sentiment in their own music, keeping alive the spirit of raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll.
Legacy and Enduring Popularity
Nearly five decades after its release, “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It)” remains a timeless celebration of rock music itself. It’s not just a song—it’s a declaration that rock and roll, despite changing trends and endless criticism, will always have a place in the world.
The Rolling Stones, in their signature fashion, refused to take themselves too seriously, and in doing so, they created an anthem that embodies the rebellious joy of rock music. The song’s message of defiance, fun, and unwavering dedication to music ensures that it continues to resonate with generations of rock fans—because after all, it’s only rock ‘n’ roll… but we like it.
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Lyrics
… If I could stick my pen in my heartAnd spill it all over the stageWould it satisfy ya, would it slide on by yaWould you think the boy is strange?Ain’t he strange?… If I could win ya, if I could sing yaA love song so divineWould it be enough for your cheating heartIf I broke down and cried?If I cried?… I said I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like itI know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like it, like it, yes, I doOh, well, I like it, I like it, I like itI said can’t you see that this old boy has been a lonely?… If I could stick a knife in my heartSuicide right on stageWould it be enough for your teenage lustWould it help to ease the pain?Ease your brain?… If I could dig down deep in my heartFeelings would flood on the pageWould it satisfy ya, would it slide on by yaWould ya think the boy’s insane?He’s insane… I said I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like itI said I know it’s only rock’n roll but I like it, like it, yes, I doOh, well, I like it, yeah, I like it, I like itI said can’t you see that this old boy has been a lonely?… And do ya think that you’re the only girl around?I bet you think that you’re the only woman in town, ah, ooh yeah… I said I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like itI said I know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like itI know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like it, yeahI know it’s only rock ‘n’ roll but I like it, like it, yes, I doOh, well, I like it, I like it, I like it, I like itI like it, I like it, I like it (only rock ‘n roll’) but I like it(It’s only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it (only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it(Only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it (only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it(Only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it (only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it(Only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it (only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it(Only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it (only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it(Only rock ‘n’ roll) but I like it, yeah, but I like itOh and I like it, ooh yeah I like it