Title: Sympathy for the Devil Artist: The Rolling Stones Album: Beggars Banquet Writers: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards Producer: Jimmy Miller Release Date: December 6, 1968 Label: Decca Records (UK), London Records (US)
“Sympathy for the Devil” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and controversial songs. Inspired by the writings of Baudelaire and Mikhail Bulgakovâs novel The Master and Margarita, the song blends rock and samba rhythms with provocative lyrics. Mick Jagger wrote most of the lyrics, initially envisioning it as a folk song, but it evolved into a percussive rock anthem during recording sessions.
đď¸ Song Meaning and Storyline
“Sympathy for the Devil” is sung from the perspective of Lucifer himself, who introduces himself with charm and sophistication. As the verses unfold, he takes credit for some of humanityâs darkest momentsâlike the crucifixion of Christ, the Russian Revolution, World War II, and the assassination of the Kennedysâsuggesting that evil is often dressed in the clothes of civilization.
The tone is both seductive and sinister, with the Devil inviting the listener to guess his name, reminding us that evil is not always obvious. Rather than condemning humanity, the song suggests that evil deeds are often carried out with human consentâor worse, indifference. The upbeat samba rhythm and infectious âwoo-wooâ backing vocals stand in ironic contrast to the dark lyrical content, creating a haunting juxtaposition that forces listeners to confront their own complicity.
đ Explaining the Controversy and Impact
The most provocative aspect of “Sympathy for the Devil” is its bold portrayal of Satan not as a monstrous villain, but as a cultured observer of history. This perspective shocked audiences in the late 1960s, prompting accusations of satanism and anti-Christian messages. In truth, Jagger and Richards were making a deeper philosophical statement: that evil resides not in mythology, but in the choices made by humans throughout history.
The song stirred even more attention after a fan died at a 1969 Rolling Stones concert in Altamont, leading many to falsely link the band and this song to dark forces. Yet, the lyrics never glorify evilâthey critique the way society enables it. By placing the Devil in the role of narrator, the band forces listeners to ask: If Satan were real, would he even need to actâor would we do it all for him?
The song has endured as a powerful commentary on human nature, morality, and historical violence. Its bold structure and lyrical daring have inspired generations of artists and thinkers, cementing it as a cornerstone of rock and a timeless cautionary tale.
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
Pleased to meet you Hope you guess my name But what’s puzzlin’ you Is the nature of my game
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
Pleased to meet you Hope you guess my name, oh yeah Ah, what’s puzzling you Is the nature of my game, ah yeah
I watched with glee (whoo-hoo) While your kings and queens (whoo-hoo) Fought for ten decades (whoo-hoo) For the gods they made (whoo-hoo)
I shouted out (whoo-hoo) “Who killed the Kennedy’s?” (whoo-hoo) When after all (whoo-hoo) It was you and me (whoo-hoo)
Let me please introduce myself (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) I’m a man of wealth and taste (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) And I laid traps for troubadours (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) Who get killed before they reach Bombay (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo)
Pleased to meet you (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) Hope you guess my name, oh yeah (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) But what’s puzzlin’ you (whoo-hoo) Is the nature of my game, ah yeah (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) Get down, damn it
Pleased to meet you (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) Hope you guess my name, oh yeah (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) But what’s confusing you (whoo-hoo) Is just the nature of my game, mm yeah (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo)
Just as every cop is a criminal (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) And all the sinners saints (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) As heads is tails, just call me Lucifer (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) ‘Cause I’m in need of some restraint (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo)
So if you meet me, have some courtesy (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) Have some sympathy, and some taste (whoo-hoo, woo-hoo) Use all your well-learned politeness (whoo-hoo, woo-hoo) Or I’ll lay your soul to waste, mm yeah (whoo-hoo, woo-hoo)
Pleased to meet you (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) Hope you guess my name, oh yeah (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) But what’s puzzlin’ you (whoo-hoo) Is the nature of my game, mean it (whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) Get down
whoo-hoo (Whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) oh yeah, get on down (Whoo-hoo, whoo-hoo) oh, yeah
what’s my name, tell me, honey (Whoo-woo, whoo-woo) can ya guess my name, a-tell me, baby (Whoo-woo, whoo-woo) what’s my name, I tell you one time (Whoo-woo, whoo-woo) you’re to blame, ooh
