You're the only reactor I've watched that understood the literary depth of this song. Without music, it stands up to some of the best writing of all time. When he asks to guess his name, there are at least three correct answers: Satan, me, us. Truly genius. Thanks for diving into it.
I believe you have it wrong when you stated "us" when he asks; "Pleased to meet you, hoped you guessed my name". He has already stated his name as "Lucifer" in the song. He is referring to himself as the Devil and not as "us". That's why when he referred to the Kennedy's, he said "It was you (Humanity) and me (The Devil)". He's referring to being to all those places as the Devil and sow the seeds of temptation, confusion, distrust, discord, envy, greed, lust etc. The Devil only gives you the idea, it's humanity's choice to either follow the sin or not (hence free will).
You picked it up right away; people blame it on the devil, but after all... it was you and me. It isn't the devil, it's the darkness in each one of us.
This is one of the few songs that I can say with absolute certainty that the world will still be listening to in 300 years. Timeless poetry set to incredible music. What more can you ask for?
Note: Mick had to re - record one line. It was originally 'who killed Kennedy', but when Bobby was also killed while they were working on the album, they changed it to Kennedy's
Yes, if you believe we've been given free will and have (or took) the knowledge of good and evil, then the devil can only tempt us. If we do evil it's totally our responsibility. Check out the series Lucifer.
You have to realize this is 1968. To be British and singing about being a German general during the blitzkrieg with literally millions of British veterans still alive would be like some American band today singing, "I flew the planes, into the towers, watched New York burn, and the bodies rain." It's that provocative for its time.
@@johnkramer812 "If you look closely enough Jagger almost wrote the lyrics in a ‘Dylanesque poetic verse" This is an excerpt from a back-story article detailing how the song was inspired. Please look before you leap, friend. ✌️
I saw them in ‘99 and they closed with this song; one hell of a light show went with it. You know what I remember most though? Charlie Watts. His hands were flying across the drum set but his mind looked a million miles away. “Do I need milk? Maybe I should get some after the show. But I don’t want to go to the store just for milk. Bread? Actually, I think I have bread. Perhaps some cereal to go with the milk. What kind of cereal?”
Great reaction never thought of the Latin connection before and I have been a Stones fan for 50+ years, I don't remember any backlash for this song, it was the Stones after all, I have seen them twice, spectacular both times, I do remember there being a thing about you were either a Stones fan or Beatles fan, no that was not true loved them both. as wit the Beatles so many fantastic albums, I have them all up to Sticky Fingers.
I understand your perspective. I was, however mighty surprised when I found that I enjoyed the later albums as well, especially "Voodoo Lounge". I was mortified by the arrival of the disco era, but over time I understood the Stones versatility and creativity. Even now, after over 50 years if banging on guitars, Voodoo Lounge is the reason I'm about to invest in a bass guitar and try my hand at some beat-heavy stuff like "Miss You". 🤓🎼🎵🎶🎸🤠
Love this song, as I do many other Stones songs. Just one small comment; You said we as humans are responsible for most atrocities in this world, but I'm pretty sure we're responsible for all of them.
I agree that this is their best song, along with “Gimme Shelter”. They have done some great songs throughout the years. Amazing soul-infused rock group starting around 1964.
I've see the Stones 8 times, the last being in 2021 in Las Vegas. They played this song, the whole stage red, Jagger with a long coat, singing this, just like always, like he means it. Outside of most of their concerts are guys on loud megaphones at the entrances with big signs about burning in hell, repent. They're speaking loudly about sin as we go into the venue. It's been like that since this song came out. They don't get it. Your reaction explains it perfectly.
I'm 69 years old, and have never been a big fan of the Rolling Stones. I listened to a reaction to this song a few days ago and was mesmerised by it, it's so powerful. I've watched any number of reactions to it since then, your reaction is head and shoulders the most perspective and accurate, I'm so impressed that you picked up on the meaning so quickly (have to admit that I didn't!)
Yea, there was something in the music pipestream from63 -73 or so........ like the burst of good flicks in the 70's. I don't know WHAT is happening now. computer games ?
I once saw a video of the band recording this song as well as a couple of others. What struck me about it was seeing the four band members circled around a suspended microphone laying down all of the "Woo-woos'". They all had headphones on, standing very casually, one or two with hands in a pocket, one holding his headphone, and they had to sing ALL of the "Woo-woo" part! There was no digital "loop" magic back then. It could be done by splicing tape, matching up the tape counter, but to do so for that length of time would have been extremely time consuming! It had to be very boring! Woo-woo. Woo-woo. Woo-woo. Woo-woo. Do that for two and a half minutes! You will need a drink after all of that!
Probably a film called ‘One plus one’ or alternatively just ‘Symapthy for the devil’ which mixes studio footage with - depending on your point of view - thought provoking artistic statements from the director / pretentious twaddle. What I remember - apart from the footage of the woo-woos - is that the fantastic bass riff that comes in halfway through* was actually played by Keith Richard’s rather than Bill Wyman - gained a whole new level of respect for Keith seeing that. * The one that goes ‘Dum Dum der-dum der-dum der-der-der-dum, Dum Dum der-dum der-dum der-der-der-dum, Dum dum der-duh dum dum der dum dum, Dum Dum der-dum der-dum der-der-der-dum.’
Not specifically when it was originally released (1968) as I recall. However, when they played this song at Altamonte in 1969, a fan in the audience was stabbed to death by a Hell's Angel and thus ended the summer of love, and for all intents and purpose, ended hippie movement. That was a big deal!
I have never seen this video of this song but I LOVED IT! It was very clever. This is one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs and that is saying something because they have so many. Really appreciate your reactions to them Harri.
Thank you for your reaction, Harri! Now that you have dipped your toes into Lake Rolling Stones hear are a few other pools you will want to dive into: Wild Horses, You Can't Always Get What You Want, Satisfaction, Angie, It's Only Rock and Roll, Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Women, Fool To Cry, Time Is On My Side and She's A Rainbow. You have so many requests it will take ages for even someone as prolific as you to get to them all, so go ahead and put my suggestions down at the bottom of your list - just make sure you DO put them on your list! I promise you will love them all!
It is The Stones at their funkiest. That guitar riff whoooohooo. The Devil's greatest achievement is getting people to believe he doesn't exist! Allegedly. When The Stones were great they were exceptional. Give "Start me up" or "Waiting on a friend" a listen. I agree absolutely with your opinion of tabloids, magazines that worship 'slebs. Not even talent, just famous. The backlash against The Fabs was horrendous in the US especially. It's that statement (about being more popular than JC) that John's assassin used as part of the "reason" he shot him. I will never get over it, I just won't; it's been 40 years and I haven't yet.
"The Devil's greatest achievement is getting people to believe he doesn't exist!" the devil, god, it's all imaginary. it's sometimes fun to consider, but still imaginary.
Good reaction. . .BUT. . .NOBODY seems to mention the one line in the song that sums it all up. . .Very near the end, the line is written a bit smaller than the others, but it's huge and nobody acknowledges it. . .The line is. . ."I tell you one time, YOU'RE to blame." Sums up the whole song right there. . .Don't blame the devil for the evil we've done!
Isaac Asimov wrote a wonderful little short-short story about a man at a bus stop talking to a stranger who tells him a story about being oppressed. He had no freedom and had to rebel in order to find his own power. The man encouraged him, saying "Good for you, be a free man, down with tyranny!" Then as the stranger walks away, the man asks his name, and the stranger says, "Just call me Lucifer". :D
This song refelcted/fit the political turmoil of the times - along with Street Fighting Man and Gimmie Shelter. For some early Stones I will suggest Satisfaction, Mothers Little Helper, Get Off of My Cloud and Lady Jane.
There’s something about Satisfaction. It’s not as sophisticated and layered as Sympathy for the Devil but there’s a rawness and edge to it which bearing in mind when it was released makes it standout.
Your first words, "Everybody has a devil inside us," made me think of INXS and their song "Devil Inside." You should definitely react to that song and their other hits. It was a stupendous band. Unfortunately, their lead singer died young and the band really went nowhere after that.
The best lyric is : It was you and me... whatever are your religious and mythological leanings... the devil never forces you... it's always your decision... and I say that as an atheist who isn't trying to force it on religious people.
I remember a point in time when there was an expression, The devil made me do it. Blaming some fictional being for our own inner darkness. Thanks for your reaction!
Love your reaction Harri The Stones have countless songs too many to mention here so I'll go for my favourite "Tumbling Dice" as my recommendation this time, take care buddy and cheerio from Glasgow.
And for contrast take a look at Linda Ronstadt's cover of "Tumbling Dice". Pure, effortless singing by one of the greats. th-cam.com/video/31MGLzUBBL4/w-d-xo.html
The Rolling Stones.... I hope you know and fully understand how important this band is. Only The Beatles are more important to the history of Rock Music. Enjoy your journey through history's best. Sparked up my pipe for this Classic. Thanks, again
Well said Harri. I don't know if the Stones got any flak for this song, but certainly not as much as the Beatles did. John Lennon made his remark about Jesus in early 1966, and received tremendous backlash. The Stones didn't release Sympathy for the Devil until the end of 1968. By the late sixties, society had evolved or matured a lot. They sort of turned a corner due to the Vietnam war and social upheaval. So the words were almost needed.
It truly is an amazing lyrical accomplishment for musicians so young.Their worldliness is mindblowing every sinner is a saint so well said we ALL have good and bad in us and his taunting way of calling out people who point the finger and label people is so stick it to you hypercrits.Love the line up with Brian Jones what a music legend. The Stones deliberately cultivated the bad boys of rock image as apposed to the clean looking Beatles.
Great song. Great Reaction. Please listen to their song, "Wild Horses". It sounds so much different than this but is just as entrancing. Thanks for all you do.
Well said. You reminded me of a saying "Don't hate the player, hate the game". I've always found that saying to be a crock of shit because without any players there would be no game. Just another way people try to pass on their own responsibilities onto someone else.
Liked your take on the devil in us all, yep, if only people wouldn't feed these newspapers and celebrity mags, we certainly create our environment by our own behaviour. At the time I wasn't aware of any backlash against this, it seemed like just another of the great songs of the time, a time of hope for change for the better.
Seen them in concert in 1995, Sydney Showground. Great concert! Harri, some suggestions; *She's a Rainbow *Can't you hear me knocking *Paint it black *It's only Rock and Roll (but I like it) Thanks
I like this song even thought I am a devout Catholic. I don’t really have sympathy for the devil but I know he is real and I have to respect his power.
I was a child in the 60s but from what I recall, and during my teen years in the 70s, in many ways we were WAY more free and less uptight than we are now. But I get what you mean about the backlash about religion. But trust me, like now, the outrage came from the older stodgy people. Anything that pissed off the parents or the "establishment" just made the kids like it 10x more.
He also said it like it wasn't a good thing. It was totally taken out of context from a very long interview in the UK months before it was taken outta context in the USA papers.
True, words matter... John Lennon was a commie idiot, but no doubt an amazing musician. He gets a pass from me on this one. The point he was making was valid, and even more so today. Pop "culture" (I would argue, lack of) is/has replaced more grounded and positive influences of church and family. I'm not a religious man, but I can see that the bible is certainly lays out a good set of rules to try and live by
@@richardcranium5048 Except when the Bible & religion in general has been used as an excuse for hate & war. Everyone knows it has & that's the problem. But then again, it's not Jesus or any other prophets fault if their words were twisted by others. Religion can be used for good or bad. Near the end, in the last Rolling Stone, John said they believed in all different religions or parts of them. Sounded very Unitarian Universalist. As for being a Communist, I think maybe Democratic Socialist but he wasn't a Maoist (note Revolution) & wouldn't want a dictatorship like Russia. He was just against the war, pro-equality for all races & genders. I think a lot of people feel that way. I know I do. The Vietnam war was wrong, the govt lied to it's people. Nixon was corrupt & it's why he was impeached. Women should have equal pay, be hired for top jobs & not pay more wit a "pink tax." Same with people if color. That doesn't make you "a commie." It makes you a rational, caring person. I'm also for National health care like most other countries have & voted for Bernie Sanders in both primaries. It sounds like you're a right wing fascist, Trump lover. So we'll just have to agree to disagree.
@@cathyortiz1280 we can certainly do that, agree to disagree that is. However I'm not just assigning the title "commie" to him, he was a self described Marxist, while myself I'm certainly not a fascist, or a Marxist, not that you could slide a piece of paper between the difference in the two. If I were I'd certainly have no trouble telling you. I'm an Originalist I believe in the letter of the Constitution. My point of the bible was simply this.. If you are unable to agree, let's boil it down to the big 10, is a good set of rules to live by, then you are a bad person, and if you don't understand that had religion never been conceived of, then men would just have killed one another for other reasons, then you are beyond naive.... Killing, like all animals, it's just what we do
@@richardcranium5048 Let me go through the top 10 Commandments. 1) "No Gods Before Me" So is that god admitting their's more than one? I'm a Humanist Buddhist & you don't have to believe in God to be a Buddhist. It's more a way of living than a religion & I'm not even strict on some parts if Buddism. 2) "You shall not make for yourself a carved image." Many Christians have crosses & images of the Italian painters version of a white Christ on a cross, etc. Jesus wouldn't like it. The early church didn't do those things but concentrate more on the fish symbol of giving. 3) "You shall not take the name of the lord in vain." I think even most Christians may mess up & curse using god & jesus in the cursing. I realized you may ask for forgiveness but if you keep doing it? Well, if there is a "God" I personally think it will understand everyone's feelings & intentions in the end. 4) "Remember the Sabbath day." I don't think going to any church or synagogue is important. But yes, it's important to rest once a week, no matter what faith. 5) "Honor your father & mother." I think this is great if you've had regular, loving parents. If they did their best to raise you, you should try to repay them as an adult. However, I've met people who have been physically, sexually & mentally abused by some parents. So they've had to cut ties with them. 6) "You shall not murder." Yes, over-all. But what about war? I believe most have been bad. However, Hitler needed to go & what if it's in self defense? Also, I don't consider a fetus to be a baby until 3 months then most after have been situations of it's going to have down syndrome or something awful or the mom could die. I believe those are heart breaking situations & esp if a mom already has kids she needs to care for then I understand her choosing her own life. But yes, just to kill someone when not necessary is horrible. Mind you, I can't even watch medical shows w a lot of blood. 7) "You shall not commit adultery." I think most people have sex now before getting married. I think if it's between 2 consenting adults it's fine. I don't even believe you need married but can live together happily if both agree it's what they prefer. Of course, rape is wrong though. 8) "You shall not steal." Yes. Although, I understand if people are starving & can't get work why they do it & our system is really messed up when the top 1% makes 50% of the money. Most people are 1 paycheck or illness from becoming homeless in the USA. That's not good. Walmart & others should allow unions & pay their employees decent wages so the average citizen doesn't have to pay for their food stamps, etc. Corporate welfare needs to stop. To me, it's stealing from the average citizen. I don't even understand that type of greed. If I won the lottery, I'd buy a little house (not huge) & maybe get a new car. Most of it would go towards causes to help others. I like the Christians who also believe in helping others. 9) "You shall not bear false witness." Yes, honestly is the best policy. 10) "You shall not covet." I agree over-all. Esp about things. I've never been into "Keeping up with the Jones" & all that stuff. But if you don't have enough to eat & homeless & struggling to keep afloat financially, I believe a lot of us do it. It's only natural. Did you know that the very first Christian's were the true definition on Communist? Not like Russia or Chins. But they all shared what they had in tribes. Very much like many Native American tribes did in the past. You know like some of the Hippies tried to live in communes, kind like the Amish but they also tried the whole free sex stuff & most found it wasn't for them. The "sexual revolution" was often abusive towards women, esp in the beg. They needed to learn to say no when not wanted, about birth control & STD's. Sweden has age appropriate sex education very early with teaching children about being able to say no touching when little, etc. Lowest rate of STD's & abortions. I really love their govt though. Anyway, Christianity & even religion isn't for everyone & it doesn't mean Atheist don't have morals. Most Atheists I've met believe in helping others & may even think religion is dangerous. Bill Maher, George Carlin & many others have made some good points about the dangers of fundamentalist of every religion. However, I've also seen ot be used for good like Mother Teresa, etc. So I believe even w/o religion, people would come up with a way to use their beliefs for good or for evil. I don't mind if someone's religious. It's just what they DO with their religion. Do they use it to help or hurt others? To me, that's the bottom line.
Saw them in 72 at Buffalo Bills Stadium. They were 45 mins late and the crowd was antsy. Only concert that I ever went to where the crowd got so worked up. Well done song and great guitar riff. thanks Harri
Wasn't that the show where, when their plane landed outside the city, they were arrested. And it took a LOT of fancy foot work to get them released and to the show????
@@tud1366 don't think so. I just did a quick search on internet. It was in 1975 and by most accounts it was a wild crowd. I wasn't on the floor where it really got stirred up but I could see it. Had to get off the Thruway back to Syracuse due to visual impairment.
The stones hosted a concert that was filmed at the time It featured the film real life killing of a concert goer by security. It's held up as the death of the hippie culture.
I believe Mick was performing this song at Altamont when a concert goer was beaten to death by the Hell's Angels gang who was the Stones' security for the event. Ironic eh?
Can't always get what you want, Paint it Black, and then flip that coin and check out Wild Horses and Angie. Peace and love. Hope you enjoy your journey into the Stones.
I don't remember any backlash or censorship of this song in the US. Of course you'll be getting some dumb comments on here from people who aren't sophisticated enough to understand the lyrics.
You’re comment about the tabloids made me think of people in the USA who are disgusted or disturbed by the drug violence in Mexico. My comment is, If people in America would stop doing drugs there would be no drug gangs in Mexico. Stop buying drugs and it all goes away.
Satan is saying of all the bad things i have done Man isn't exactly innocent either, and has done just as bad things, so Please everybody have some sympathy on me. Great Song & Reaction!!
Harri, I suggest you watch the 1967 original version of "Bedazzled" with Dudley Moore and Peter Cook explore the nature of the Devil. there's another much more recent play/film that is like 'my dinner with Andre' but it's christ and hitler on a day out
![ROLLING STONES -- SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL [REACTION/ANALYSIS]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8ppEoK5WVok/mqdefault.jpg)
You're the only reactor I've watched that understood the literary depth of this song. Without music, it stands up to some of the best writing of all time. When he asks to guess his name, there are at least three correct answers: Satan, me, us. Truly genius. Thanks for diving into it.
That's exactly why I watched this one first. I just knew he'd give a more in depth view of the song.
I believe you have it wrong when you stated "us" when he asks; "Pleased to meet you, hoped you guessed my name". He has already stated his name as "Lucifer" in the song. He is referring to himself as the Devil and not as "us". That's why when he referred to the Kennedy's, he said "It was you (Humanity) and me (The Devil)". He's referring to being to all those places as the Devil and sow the seeds of temptation, confusion, distrust, discord, envy, greed, lust etc. The Devil only gives you the idea, it's humanity's choice to either follow the sin or not (hence free will).
@@Apollyon6660 thats always been the big question in this story ive always believed as u do that its the devil himself
Also try mrbloyd for a similar intelligent response to music. ❤
You picked it up right away; people blame it on the devil, but after all... it was you and me.
It isn't the devil, it's the darkness in each one of us.
This is one of the few songs that I can say with absolute certainty that the world will still be listening to in 300 years. Timeless poetry set to incredible music. What more can you ask for?
"I'll tell you one time, YOU'RE to blame!"
Awesome lyric to close out the song!
Note: Mick had to re - record one line. It was originally 'who killed Kennedy', but when Bobby was also killed while they were working on the album, they changed it to Kennedy's
DG. Very interesting- preeeesh I never knew that
That is correct .
One Kennedy, two Kennedys
@@gerhardvanderwesthuizen842 Hahahaha
We been blaming the devil for all the bad things we do. Not fair, we have to take some of the blame.
Yes, if you believe we've been given free will and have (or took) the knowledge of good and evil, then the devil can only tempt us. If we do evil it's totally our responsibility. Check out the series Lucifer.
@@russb24 really like Lucifer. Yes, jesus was tempted. Not coerced or forced.
Yep...still he is who he is..amd he lays it all down for the " blind " too choose .
And not amd..my bad
Says it right in the song...’I shouted out, “Who killed the Kennedy’s”? When after all, it was you and me.’
You have to realize this is 1968. To be British and singing about being a German general during the blitzkrieg with literally millions of British veterans still alive would be like some American band today singing, "I flew the planes, into the towers, watched New York burn, and the bodies rain." It's that provocative for its time.
It's not often you hear the word "politesse" used properly either, particularly in a song ...!
Great point, Mick Jagger was highly literate, well educated and articulate. ✌️
@@danjoda755 mick didn't write the lyrics, it was kieth richards
@@johnkramer812 "If you look closely enough Jagger almost wrote the lyrics in a ‘Dylanesque poetic verse" This is an excerpt from a back-story article detailing how the song was inspired. Please look before you leap, friend. ✌️
@@danjoda755 my bad
@@johnkramer812 No worries John, back stories are fun to share. ✌️🤓
Saw them first in '72 and many times since. The great Nicky Hopkins (RIP) on piano.
NickY Hopkins is DEAD?
@@gabriel1058 Yes, I believe I read that. Sad.
I saw them in ‘99 and they closed with this song; one hell of a light show went with it.
You know what I remember most though? Charlie Watts. His hands were flying across the drum set but his mind looked a million miles away.
“Do I need milk? Maybe I should get some after the show. But I don’t want to go to the store just for milk. Bread? Actually, I think I have bread. Perhaps some cereal to go with the milk. What kind of cereal?”
@@gabriel1058 yes, passed in '94
@@marymargaretmoore9034 I knew but I forgot
"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"
Utter genius. Brilliant in a club at 2am morning slightly worse for wear.
Yep that wasn’t the devil who rode the tank or held the generals rank it was someone like you and me (ish)
My favorite Rolling Stones song ever. The lyrics are deep.
It's the yin/yang idea - all darkness has a seed of light in it, and all light has a seed of darkness. The universe runs on that tension.
Reminds me of a battery, how you need postive and negative. If you have only one of them, no good.
Great reaction never thought of the Latin connection before and I have been a Stones fan for 50+ years, I don't remember any backlash for this song, it was the Stones after all, I have seen them twice, spectacular both times, I do remember there being a thing about you were either a Stones fan or Beatles fan, no that was not true loved them both. as wit the Beatles so many fantastic albums, I have them all up to Sticky Fingers.
I understand your perspective. I was, however mighty surprised when I found that I enjoyed the later albums as well, especially "Voodoo Lounge". I was mortified by the arrival of the disco era, but over time I understood the Stones versatility and creativity. Even now, after over 50 years if banging on guitars, Voodoo Lounge is the reason I'm about to invest in a bass guitar and try my hand at some beat-heavy stuff like "Miss You". 🤓🎼🎵🎶🎸🤠
Love this song, as I do many other Stones songs. Just one small comment; You said we as humans are responsible for most atrocities in this world, but I'm pretty sure we're responsible for all of them.
A dark tune but the lyrics are amazing. Perfect description of old scratch. lol
Agreed!
Please also do "Can't You Hear Me Knocking."
I agree that this is their best song, along with “Gimme Shelter”. They have done some great songs throughout the years. Amazing soul-infused rock group starting around 1964.
This is one of my favourite tunes by the Stones. This one, You Can't Always Get What You Want, Paint it Black, and Mother's Little Helper.
I’ve played bass in a bunch of bands and this one of my absolutely favorites to play. 👍
Keith’s bass on this one.
Love this journey. Watching a young person enjoying the great music I took for granted while I was growing up. Love your insights 👍
I've see the Stones 8 times, the last being in 2021 in Las Vegas. They played this song, the whole stage red, Jagger with a long coat, singing this, just like always, like he means it.
Outside of most of their concerts are guys on loud megaphones at the entrances with big signs about burning in hell, repent. They're speaking loudly about sin as we go into the venue. It's been like that since this song came out.
They don't get it. Your reaction explains it perfectly.
I'm 69 years old, and have never been a big fan of the Rolling Stones. I listened to a reaction to this song a few days ago and was mesmerised by it, it's so powerful. I've watched any number of reactions to it since then, your reaction is head and shoulders the most perspective and accurate, I'm so impressed that you picked up on the meaning so quickly (have to admit that I didn't!)
"The Beatles want to hold your hand,
The Stones want to burn your town"
Yea, there was something in the music pipestream from63 -73 or so........ like the burst of good flicks in the 70's. I don't know WHAT is happening now. computer games ?
I once saw a video of the band recording this song as well as a couple of others. What struck me about it was seeing the four band members circled around a suspended microphone laying down all of the "Woo-woos'". They all had headphones on, standing very casually, one or two with hands in a pocket, one holding his headphone, and they had to sing ALL of the "Woo-woo" part! There was no digital "loop" magic back then. It could be done by splicing tape, matching up the tape counter, but to do so for that length of time would have been extremely time consuming! It had to be very boring! Woo-woo. Woo-woo. Woo-woo. Woo-woo. Do that for two and a half minutes! You will need a drink after all of that!
Probably a film called ‘One plus one’ or alternatively just ‘Symapthy for the devil’ which mixes studio footage with - depending on your point of view - thought provoking artistic statements from the director / pretentious twaddle.
What I remember - apart from the footage of the woo-woos - is that the fantastic bass riff that comes in halfway through* was actually played by Keith Richard’s rather than Bill Wyman - gained a whole new level of respect for Keith seeing that.
* The one that goes ‘Dum Dum der-dum der-dum der-der-der-dum, Dum Dum der-dum der-dum der-der-der-dum, Dum dum der-duh dum dum der dum dum, Dum Dum der-dum der-dum der-der-der-dum.’
Not specifically when it was originally released (1968) as I recall. However, when they played this song at Altamonte in 1969, a fan in the audience was stabbed to death by a Hell's Angel and thus ended the summer of love, and for all intents and purpose, ended hippie movement. That was a big deal!
I have never seen this video of this song but I LOVED IT! It was very clever. This is one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs and that is saying something because they have so many. Really appreciate your reactions to them Harri.
Thank you for your reaction, Harri! Now that you have dipped your toes into Lake Rolling Stones hear are a few other pools you will want to dive into: Wild Horses, You Can't Always Get What You Want, Satisfaction, Angie, It's Only Rock and Roll, Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Women, Fool To Cry, Time Is On My Side and She's A Rainbow. You have so many requests it will take ages for even someone as prolific as you to get to them all, so go ahead and put my suggestions down at the bottom of your list - just make sure you DO put them on your list! I promise you will love them all!
It is The Stones at their funkiest. That guitar riff whoooohooo. The Devil's greatest achievement is getting people to believe he doesn't exist! Allegedly. When The Stones were great they were exceptional. Give "Start me up" or "Waiting on a friend" a listen.
I agree absolutely with your opinion of tabloids, magazines that worship 'slebs. Not even talent, just famous.
The backlash against The Fabs was horrendous in the US especially. It's that statement (about being more popular than JC) that John's assassin used as part of the "reason" he shot him. I will never get over it, I just won't; it's been 40 years and I haven't yet.
"The Devil's greatest achievement is getting people to believe he doesn't exist!"
the devil, god, it's all imaginary. it's sometimes fun to consider, but still imaginary.
After listening to his album "Shaved Fish" I wanted to shoot him too!!!! 🤔👍😉
History lessons at their finest!!!
Good reaction. . .BUT. . .NOBODY seems to mention the one line in the song that sums it all up. . .Very near the end, the line is written a bit smaller than the others, but it's huge and nobody acknowledges it. . .The line is. . ."I tell you one time, YOU'RE to blame." Sums up the whole song right there. . .Don't blame the devil for the evil we've done!
Isaac Asimov wrote a wonderful little short-short story about a man at a bus stop talking to a stranger who tells him a story about being oppressed. He had no freedom and had to rebel in order to find his own power. The man encouraged him, saying "Good for you, be a free man, down with tyranny!" Then as the stranger walks away, the man asks his name, and the stranger says, "Just call me Lucifer". :D
Isaac Asimov. When Sci-Fi was intelligent and had a point of view.
@@Russ_Keith Translation: "When sci-fi was all white guys and we didn't have to think about the problems of any else."
* eyeroll*
@@Serai3 Samuel Delany. Octavia Butler.
@@Serai3why bring race into it ?
@@buffstraw2969 Yes, TWO writers. Who were writing in the SEVENTIES AND EIGHTIES. Try harder next time.
my 2 favorite Rolling Stone songs, Sympathy for the Devil and Gimme Shelter... thank you!
This song refelcted/fit the political turmoil of the times - along with Street Fighting Man and Gimmie Shelter. For some early Stones I will suggest Satisfaction, Mothers Little Helper, Get Off of My Cloud and Lady Jane.
There’s something about Satisfaction. It’s not as sophisticated and layered as Sympathy for the Devil but there’s a rawness and edge to it which bearing in mind when it was released makes it standout.
Your first words, "Everybody has a devil inside us," made me think of INXS and their song "Devil Inside." You should definitely react to that song and their other hits. It was a stupendous band. Unfortunately, their lead singer died young and the band really went nowhere after that.
No.27 (my age in my head)! Going to listen..now...woowoo
Your reactions are so thoughtful. You are by far my favorite reaction channel.
I love this reaction so much this is at least my 8th watch! Great job
The best lyric is : It was you and me... whatever are your religious and mythological leanings... the devil never forces you... it's always your decision... and I say that as an atheist who isn't trying to force it on religious people.
I remember a point in time when there was an expression, The devil made me do it. Blaming some fictional being for our own inner darkness. Thanks for your reaction!
Hell yes! Whoopsy pardon the pun - great reaction again as always- love your reactions bless you!
Brilliant Harri, thank you!
Fantastic song ...
Brilliant Piano by the late Nicky Hopkins
I have to say I've never really been a big Rolling Stones fan but Ive always thought this song was epic.
Inspired by the novel The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov which Mick was given by his girl friend ( Marianne ? ) Great book.
I had no idea! I have read that book 3 times. What an excellent book.
this was the stones at their zenith,never to really come back to sheer genius
When this beauty broke on FM, I thought the song title was "Symphony for the Devil".
The Rock and Roll Circus version of this is fantastic. Great version, and great performance by all. If you like this song, it’s a must-see.
1000% rock n roll circus !
For anybody interested in literature, this song is actually based on the Russian novel "The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov.
Really? Cool thanks
Love your reaction Harri The Stones have countless songs too many to mention here so I'll go for my favourite "Tumbling Dice" as my recommendation this time, take care buddy and cheerio from Glasgow.
And for contrast take a look at Linda Ronstadt's cover of "Tumbling Dice". Pure, effortless singing by one of the greats.
th-cam.com/video/31MGLzUBBL4/w-d-xo.html
The Rolling Stones.... I hope you know and fully understand how important this band is. Only The Beatles are more important to the history of Rock Music. Enjoy your journey through history's best. Sparked up my pipe for this Classic. Thanks, again
LEGENDS, all of them.
Well said Harri. I don't know if the Stones got any flak for this song, but certainly not as much as the Beatles did. John Lennon made his remark about Jesus in early 1966, and received tremendous backlash. The Stones didn't release Sympathy for the Devil until the end of 1968. By the late sixties, society had evolved or matured a lot. They sort of turned a corner due to the Vietnam war and social upheaval. So the words were almost needed.
My favourite Stones song. Just love the bass line!!!!
i remember buying this album still have it now i always loved this track for me its the bass line that dose it
Excellent reaction
It truly is an amazing lyrical accomplishment for musicians so young.Their worldliness is mindblowing every sinner is a saint so well said we ALL have good and bad in us and his taunting way of calling out people who point the finger and label people is so stick it to you hypercrits.Love the line up with Brian Jones what a music legend. The Stones deliberately cultivated the bad boys of rock image as apposed to the clean looking Beatles.
Great song. Great Reaction. Please listen to their song, "Wild Horses". It sounds so much different than this but is just as entrancing. Thanks for all you do.
gimme shelter is my fav. rolling stones song
Laying down that funk on the one! ☮️❤️👏👏
Mans inhumanity to man.
Peace on earth.
Well said. You reminded me of a saying "Don't hate the player, hate the game". I've always found that saying to be a crock of shit because without any players there would be no game. Just another way people try to pass on their own responsibilities onto someone else.
Amazing track😎
Yes Harry spot on Auntie BBC Banned its playing but thank the Lord by then we had the Pirate Radio Stations & They Played the arse off it !!
Fantastic review ! Thanks for posting. 👍
Liked your take on the devil in us all, yep, if only people wouldn't feed these newspapers and celebrity mags, we certainly create our environment by our own behaviour. At the time I wasn't aware of any backlash against this, it seemed like just another of the great songs of the time, a time of hope for change for the better.
Seen them in concert in 1995, Sydney Showground. Great concert!
Harri, some suggestions;
*She's a Rainbow
*Can't you hear me knocking
*Paint it black
*It's only Rock and Roll (but I like it)
Thanks
One of my favorites from The Rolling Stones. (You all know that they took their name from a Muddy Waters song - yeah??)
You have to understand. I love you unconditionally. Please love the Devil.
Timelessly relevant.
I like this song even thought I am a devout Catholic. I don’t really have sympathy for the devil but I know he is real and I have to respect his power.
Excellent reaction. Great tune
I was a child in the 60s but from what I recall, and during my teen years in the 70s, in many ways we were WAY more free and less uptight than we are now. But I get what you mean about the backlash about religion. But trust me, like now, the outrage came from the older stodgy people. Anything that pissed off the parents or the "establishment" just made the kids like it 10x more.
Really liked your take on this song.
I would also respectfully request (Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo) Heartbreaker, one of the great Stones ever.
Love your style
John Lennon never said bigger than Jesus Christ, he said more popular than Jesus Christ, it's important to realize the difference
He also said it like it wasn't a good thing. It was totally taken out of context from a very long interview in the UK months before it was taken outta context in the USA papers.
True, words matter... John Lennon was a commie idiot, but no doubt an amazing musician. He gets a pass from me on this one. The point he was making was valid, and even more so today. Pop "culture" (I would argue, lack of) is/has replaced more grounded and positive influences of church and family. I'm not a religious man, but I can see that the bible is certainly lays out a good set of rules to try and live by
@@richardcranium5048 Except when the Bible & religion in general has been used as an excuse for hate & war. Everyone knows it has & that's the problem. But then again, it's not Jesus or any other prophets fault if their words were twisted by others. Religion can be used for good or bad. Near the end, in the last Rolling Stone, John said they believed in all different religions or parts of them. Sounded very Unitarian Universalist. As for being a Communist, I think maybe Democratic Socialist but he wasn't a Maoist (note Revolution) & wouldn't want a dictatorship like Russia. He was just against the war, pro-equality for all races & genders. I think a lot of people feel that way. I know I do. The Vietnam war was wrong, the govt lied to it's people. Nixon was corrupt & it's why he was impeached. Women should have equal pay, be hired for top jobs & not pay more wit a "pink tax." Same with people if color. That doesn't make you "a commie." It makes you a rational, caring person. I'm also for National health care like most other countries have & voted for Bernie Sanders in both primaries. It sounds like you're a right wing fascist, Trump lover. So we'll just have to agree to disagree.
@@cathyortiz1280 we can certainly do that, agree to disagree that is. However I'm not just assigning the title "commie" to him, he was a self described Marxist, while myself I'm certainly not a fascist, or a Marxist, not that you could slide a piece of paper between the difference in the two. If I were I'd certainly have no trouble telling you. I'm an Originalist I believe in the letter of the Constitution. My point of the bible was simply this..
If you are unable to agree, let's boil it down to the big 10, is a good set of rules to live by, then you are a bad person, and if you don't understand that had religion never been conceived of, then men would just have killed one another for other reasons, then you are beyond naive.... Killing, like all animals, it's just what we do
@@richardcranium5048 Let me go through the top 10 Commandments. 1) "No Gods Before Me" So is that god admitting their's more than one? I'm a Humanist Buddhist & you don't have to believe in God to be a Buddhist. It's more a way of living than a religion & I'm not even strict on some parts if Buddism. 2) "You shall not make for yourself a carved image." Many Christians have crosses & images of the Italian painters version of a white Christ on a cross, etc. Jesus wouldn't like it. The early church didn't do those things but concentrate more on the fish symbol of giving. 3) "You shall not take the name of the lord in vain." I think even most Christians may mess up & curse using god & jesus in the cursing. I realized you may ask for forgiveness but if you keep doing it? Well, if there is a "God" I personally think it will understand everyone's feelings & intentions in the end. 4) "Remember the Sabbath day." I don't think going to any church or synagogue is important. But yes, it's important to rest once a week, no matter what faith. 5) "Honor your father & mother." I think this is great if you've had regular, loving parents. If they did their best to raise you, you should try to repay them as an adult. However, I've met people who have been physically, sexually & mentally abused by some parents. So they've had to cut ties with them. 6) "You shall not murder." Yes, over-all. But what about war? I believe most have been bad. However, Hitler needed to go & what if it's in self defense? Also, I don't consider a fetus to be a baby until 3 months then most after have been situations of it's going to have down syndrome or something awful or the mom could die. I believe those are heart breaking situations & esp if a mom already has kids she needs to care for then I understand her choosing her own life. But yes, just to kill someone when not necessary is horrible. Mind you, I can't even watch medical shows w a lot of blood. 7) "You shall not commit adultery." I think most people have sex now before getting married. I think if it's between 2 consenting adults it's fine. I don't even believe you need married but can live together happily if both agree it's what they prefer. Of course, rape is wrong though. 8) "You shall not steal." Yes. Although, I understand if people are starving & can't get work why they do it & our system is really messed up when the top 1% makes 50% of the money. Most people are 1 paycheck or illness from becoming homeless in the USA. That's not good. Walmart & others should allow unions & pay their employees decent wages so the average citizen doesn't have to pay for their food stamps, etc. Corporate welfare needs to stop. To me, it's stealing from the average citizen. I don't even understand that type of greed. If I won the lottery, I'd buy a little house (not huge) & maybe get a new car. Most of it would go towards causes to help others. I like the Christians who also believe in helping others. 9) "You shall not bear false witness." Yes, honestly is the best policy. 10) "You shall not covet." I agree over-all. Esp about things. I've never been into "Keeping up with the Jones" & all that stuff. But if you don't have enough to eat & homeless & struggling to keep afloat financially, I believe a lot of us do it. It's only natural. Did you know that the very first Christian's were the true definition on Communist? Not like Russia or Chins. But they all shared what they had in tribes. Very much like many Native American tribes did in the past. You know like some of the Hippies tried to live in communes, kind like the Amish but they also tried the whole free sex stuff & most found it wasn't for them. The "sexual revolution" was often abusive towards women, esp in the beg. They needed to learn to say no when not wanted, about birth control & STD's. Sweden has age appropriate sex education very early with teaching children about being able to say no touching when little, etc. Lowest rate of STD's & abortions. I really love their govt though. Anyway, Christianity & even religion isn't for everyone & it doesn't mean Atheist don't have morals. Most Atheists I've met believe in helping others & may even think religion is dangerous. Bill Maher, George Carlin & many others have made some good points about the dangers of fundamentalist of every religion. However, I've also seen ot be used for good like Mother Teresa, etc. So I believe even w/o religion, people would come up with a way to use their beliefs for good or for evil. I don't mind if someone's religious. It's just what they DO with their religion. Do they use it to help or hurt others? To me, that's the bottom line.
this is the best video for this song as well
Somewhere on here there is Nicky Hopkins' solo piano track for this. Outstanding.
"Waiting On A Friend" by The Rolling Stones is a must react to. You'll love it.
Also a great song! Great great band. Some the best lyrics...”She blew my nose and then she blew my mind” for one.
Saw them in 72 at Buffalo Bills Stadium. They were 45 mins late and the crowd was antsy. Only concert that I ever went to where the crowd got so worked up. Well done song and great guitar riff. thanks Harri
Wasn't that the show where, when their plane landed outside the city, they were arrested. And it took a LOT of fancy foot work to get them released and to the show????
@@tud1366 don't think so. I just did a quick search on internet. It was in 1975 and by most accounts it was a wild crowd. I wasn't on the floor where it really got stirred up but I could see it. Had to get off the Thruway back to Syracuse due to visual impairment.
There Is a 70s track from the Stones called,: " Dancing with Mr D. " There is a video clip. I don't need to tell you who Mr. D is ! Lol
Great Video to help understand, what the heck is goin' on .
The stones hosted a concert that was filmed at the time It featured the film real life killing of a concert goer by security. It's held up as the death of the hippie culture.
Hippie culture isn't dead.
A very nice reaction.
We are the devil. That's the message in the song.
I believe Mick was performing this song at Altamont when a concert goer was beaten to death by the Hell's Angels gang who was the Stones' security for the event. Ironic eh?
I believe he was stabbed to death.
It started during this song, but the stabbing took place during Under My Thumb.
Can't always get what you want, Paint it Black, and then flip that coin and check out Wild Horses and Angie. Peace and love. Hope you enjoy your journey into the Stones.
I don't remember any backlash or censorship of this song in the US. Of course you'll be getting some dumb comments on here from people who aren't sophisticated enough to understand the lyrics.
That same year, and both from the same album, Street fighting man did have problems in some American radio stations
New to your channel, love it thus far! Subscribed!
Love this song & the video!
You’re comment about the tabloids made me think of people in the USA who are disgusted or disturbed by the drug violence in Mexico. My comment is, If people in America would stop doing drugs there would be no drug gangs in Mexico. Stop buying drugs and it all goes away.
Hear the live version on " Get your ya ya's Out " Pure Fire .
Check out the Get Yer Ya Ya's version .
Blows away all versions. imo
This beat is from Bahia, Brazil. Beat of macumba (brazilian afro religion). Jagger and Brazil have a long history....
"They didn't have the freedom we have now". Ironic point of view, that.
Satan is saying of all the bad things i have done Man isn't exactly innocent either, and has done just as bad things, so Please everybody have some sympathy on me. Great Song & Reaction!!
Imo this is the best song on music history.
Harri, I suggest you watch the 1967 original version of "Bedazzled" with Dudley Moore and Peter Cook explore the nature of the Devil.
there's another much more recent play/film that is like 'my dinner with Andre' but it's christ and hitler on a day out