You were very refreshing as a reactor, you are possibly the only reactor who understood the historical reference's, I'm following on that fact first secondly I like the style of you musical assessment!
@@mimikurtz2162 I am American and I’ve understood the historical references for decades. “Troubador” stumped me initially but I then learned the term in a college course.
When Jagger/the Devil goes into that high screechy voice near the end, I always visualise it like he's dropped his "refined gentleman" disguise and revealed his true horrific appearance 😄
I also love the double entendre of "...what's puzzling you is the nature of my game." Not just that he leaves one puzzled as to what his game is. But that puzzling and misleading you IS what his game is. I just recently got this after all these years.
OK, this is absolutely the most informed analysis of this song I've seen on TH-cam. I personally understood every single reference when the song came out, that's how old I am.
Oh no - you found this one. This song started as a reaction to the assassination of Robert Kennedy in the United States. Hence the line "I shouted out ''Who killed the Kennedys.' when after all it was you and me'". The philosophical underpinning of this song will be found in many Stones songs. That philosophy is that good and bad are relative terms applied by humans to events that are, at core, neither good or bad. "Just as every cop is a criminal and all the sinners saints" MIck often writes from the point of view of a character. In Tumbling Dice he actually becomes the dice. You reactions are good stuff. Happy to get a Hip Hop recommend form you.
My understanding the original line was I shouted out who shot Kennedy then literally as the album was being finished Bobby was shot and they changed the line to I shouted out who killed the Kennedys
The song is based on the book, 'The Master and Margarita', written during the Stalinist era by Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov. The story concerns a visit by the devil to the officially atheistic Soviet Union. The Master and Margarita combines supernatural elements with satirical dark comedy and Christian philosophy, defying categorization within a single genre. Many critics consider it to be one of the best novels of the 20th century, as well as the foremost of Soviet satires.
I still can't believe that no one in Hollywood has made a movie of this novel - it is so cinematic and with modern CGI, the fantastical elements of the book could be readily rendered. I heard that Jagger had the movie rights at one point, but nothing has ever happened. And man, the soundtrack is already done! 😁
The Devil is not imaginary...as the great French poet, Balzac, warned us, 'the greatest trick Satan ever did was convincing people he doesn't exist'....I can see Satan has fooled you linus!
I have studied this song and it’s lyrics for many years. I believe it has some of the best, most meaningful, perfectly written words ever. The historical references are great. For me, the song is saying this: the devil isn’t an independent actor, he works through us. We like to attribute all the bad and evil things that happen to the devil, and while he is certainly behind much of it, he can’t do anything on his own. We are the ones who do the evil acts, then we try to justify our actions and recuse ourselves from any culpability, laying it all at the devil’s feet.
Fun Fact ..singers of that haunting "whoo - whoo" background on the original studio recording was amongst others Eric Burdon from "The Animals"... and - if I remember correctly - according to an interview with Eric Burdon where he mentioned that - also John Lennon from "The Beatles" as well..who both happened to randomly and coincidentally hung around in the studio as well at that time. Speaking of Eric Burden He and "The Animals" recorded a cover version of the Rolling Stones song "Paint it Black" which is an example where a great musician is making an already iconic song of an iconic band into totally his own song by giving the song a totally different vibe. The only time I experienced such an achievement at such a high level as well was decades later with Johnny Cash´s interpretation of the Nine Inch Nail song "Hurt".
I can hardly wrap my head around that there's an entire generation of people who never heard the music which was such an important part of my life. Nice work; nice work.
This is one of my all time favorite songs. I cannot tell you how nice it was to have someone with intelligence and a knowledge of history to react to the lyrics. I've watched several reactions to this song and I usually end up yelling at my scream as other reactors either don't understand or completely misinterpret the lyrics. Thanks for this. Great job. BTW, the one bit almost no one- including me and perhaps you- gets is the troubadours who are killed on the way to bombay. Turns out it was a reference to a cult of murderers and thieves in India called Thugees. They were the origin of the term Thugs to refer to bad criminals.
@@timmiller5913 me too! ANd I won't act like I figured it out myself. I just read it somewhere but the more I looked into it, the more certain I am that its true. They killed lots of traveling musicians who were on the road from northern india to Bombay (ie Mumbia) so it fits perfectly
When I saw it played live, the lights on the stage turned blood red, and the bongos started up and played for about five minutes of extended intro. The crowd knew what was coming and was getting more and more pumped up with each passing second. When mick actually started singing the place went nuts. It was wild.
as an encore its so fkn kool .. that and /or at start of encore you hear the choir start singing so heavenly ... and knowing whats coming .. cant always get what you want ...
I really liked Lennon/McCartney, but from the standpoint of really meaningful lyrics, they rarely rose to the level of Jagger. This was genius. Lennon/McCartney were clever.
Just stumbled upon your channel. I’ve seen many reactions to this song and most fail to appreciate the historical significance of it. Great reaction sir.
Top 5 guitar solo. Hands down. The ferocity. The way he ends it with a scratch that sounds like it’s loudly spitting imo. Not singular in any one aspect but just a complete thematic tour de force.
Usually, I don't watch any reactions other than LZ (subbed with you for them) and 1or 2 other favourite groups, but this song is a very long time favourite that I can't resist and probably 1of only a small handful of Stones songs that I will listen to. This is an incredible song of theirs.
Nicky Hopkins on piano. There is a TH-cam video that features the piano isolated on this song. There is a movie called "Sympathy for the Devil" which features snippets of the making of this song. BTW, Keith Richards is also playing bass on this track.
I haven't seen so sophisticated person reacting so far. Man, thank you for giving me a new perspectives on songs I've listen for years, especially this one.
@@SyedRewinds Every historical action mentioned in the song was done by PEOPLE, not some evil supernatural entity. The Devil is our whipping boy, poor guy.
One of the best songs the Stones ever did. Jagger and Richards were in fact one of the finest songwriting teams in the business, and this song proves it. Jagger's vocals are, as you note, somewhat like Dylan's vocals (during certain periods of Dylan) in that he's sort of talking and singing at the same time. The notes are there, but they are not being delivered as they would be in pop music, so the melody is not as obvious as in a pop song. The delivery is a lot more visceral, and it suits the material perfectly. All the "husk and bark" has been left on the vocals, and this was found in much of the North American folk legacy, specially in the acoustic blues done by black musicians during the pre-WWII era and into the 50's. The Stones very much based their sound on the old Blues sound, specially in their earlier material which was mostly covers of Blues songs. Jagger's vocal approach was affected a lot by that. He's not your typical "singer", but his style works just right for the Rolling Stones.
I've been watching more of your music reactions (The Who, and now The Stones) and I'm finding that you are very astute in your analysis of song lyrics, and what they might be trying to say. As in alternative interpretations. Great job mate, keep it up!!
Nicky Hopkins is the piano player. He played with many of the greatest rock acts of the late 60s and 70s, and is prominent on many of the Stones greatest songs. My favorite songs that Nicky Hopkins played on are She's a Rainbow by the Stones and Jealous Guy by John Lennon. Both songs melodic and beautiful beyond belief.
This is my favorite Stones song. So great and subtle. You are right about Jaggar's singing but he has so much style & charisma it really works. Watching him perform really clarifies that.
The Stones attempt to follow the Beatles psychedelic trail (Sgt Pepper's) is often mocked, but you are right, those are two great songs, much underrated in the Stones canon.
Whenever people talk about this song. The intro with bongos is mentioned. The lyrics are of course mentioned. The guitar solo. The piano. The woo woos. But damn it the bass line is what keeps this track from going off the rails. No one ever talks about the bass line but it is what turns this song from a great song into a classic
Love your reactions. It's really refreshing to see a thoughtful and intelligent fan of music. I was raised on classic rock and do not know much about hip-hop but we you said that is comparable to a hip hop song the first I thought of was "NY state of mind".✌
I cant believe that no one else pointed this out. Legend has it Marianne Faithfull lent Jagger a copy of 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov and the rest is history. It's also supposed to be the only song up to this point that Mick wrote without keith.
Interesting you spotted a Russian literature influence, because the song was directly inspired by another Russian writer's late master-work, a very creepy satire on Soviet society called The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov. As in the song, scenes from the New Testament and modern life (in the novel, contemporary Moscow society) alternate, with the Devil - 'a man of wealth and taste' - playing a prominent role throughout. It's said (IIRC) to be the greatest novel of the Soviet era, but it was too dark for me; I only made it though the first few chapters.
Great reaction. It's amazing that people have gone through life without hearing this song. This changed the way I experienced music back in the day. And I never considered myself a Stones fan, because in the mid 60s you had to choose between the Stones or the Beatles. Lol
I been lucky enough to see the Stones in 2006 at Churchill Downs. This was the 15th song of a 19 song set list. By far, the most memorable song live with massive audience participation as backup singers for WOO WHO. The Stones live are a most see. Love the review as always.
@@philh4400 you're in the ballpark for sure. I see that like myself you have been keeping current, but the research actually has The Great Escape at number 2 followed very closely by Cool Hand Luke... I believe this is something me and you could probably discuss over a couple beers. I can't today, because believe it or not I am right this minute busy putting pistons in my 77' Chevy K10 4x4. You'd probably like it, clearly you are a man of taste
Cop/criminal. Sinners/saints etc. It’s the nature of duality. Can’t know light without knowing what dark is. Yin and Yang! Incredible song. Amazing performance. Great analysis and insight from a writer’s perspective. Thanks for putting a focus on lyrics!
You really get it on this tune. I was born in 56 and like all my age we were all little Beatles freaks and the Stones helped by scaring us away. It was like " You kids ain't ready for this" I was about 14 when this came out . Nothing like this sound and it's like the Stones were warning us again . This song shut down the sixties and the Stones left you wondering and many got hooked,and at 18 I was all in and shelved my Beatles LPs. Sympathy meaning is pretty much what you interpret. Whether you're religious or not it puts an explanation of the bad side of humanity ,or the devil. Evil exists one way or another and if you can't recognize it you're in trouble. Sympathy is like "Recognize me "or" acknowledge me" and respect that you're following the wrong entity. Nice break down 👍👍😎
Such a joy watching young cat groove to the Rolling Stones. He high lights the roll of a samba beat with screaming guitar and boogie piano. Such a cool track I grooved into as a young punk. Thanks Big Brother...
History: Concert at Altamont, California. The concert promoters hired the Hell's Angels as security. Stones were playing Sympathy for the Devil, while a man was beaten to death right in front of the stage.
One of many Rolling Stone’s songs I enjoyed so much. Add to that, the South American rhythmic percussion play like Carlos Santana’s band was in the mix. Awesome song and one of my all time favorites. Would suggest “ Paint it black” “ You can’t always get what you want” @nd any of “ Like a rolling stone live” performance. Thank you so much Syed
Connecting this tune to Dostoyevsky is something I never thought of, but makes so much sense! Fantastic work. I really dug that you understood all the references and had a command of the subject matter. It makes the song hit harder.
Good thinking there - You mentioned Dostoevsky writing in the first person perspective. My mind went to CS Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" using a demon in 1st person also in a correspondence between and uncle and nephew. Good quick read, highly recomrneded!
I was the manager of a retail store at-nd the cashier called me and said someone wants to talk to you. As I got close there was a guy and his daughter waiting for me. He said "I'm not shopping at a place that plays devil music". I was not sure then I could hear "Sympathy For the Devil" was playing from our radio. I said "It's just what is playing right now". He stormed out with his child.
I am very thankful to have stumbled blindly upon your reactions and I have to applaud and admire how in depth you go with your reactions. You picked up on the historical references of this song and I really enjoyed this. As I did your reactions to a day in the life and fortunate son. Definitely have a new subscriber that's for sure!
Hey the man knows some history ! Nice. The Stones stopped playing this song live for a real long time. Something bad happened a concerts when they played it. Check out the Altamont Speedway 1970 show, a disaster, a death, beatings by the Hells Angels who were supposed to be stage security. It was a controversial song in 1969. Misinterpreted. Check out the live cut on 'Get Yer Ya's Ya's Out'. Phx
Thanks for admitting you’ve heard it around. I watched a reaction video of a man in his fifties claiming he had never ever heard Gimme Shelter, which is absolute bullshit. Also I like that you were paying attention to the intensity that has a subtle growth throughout. They are excellent at that and you can see it in other songs such as midnight rambler, stray cat blues, jigsaw puzzle, and loving cup.
The Beggars Banquet album is a true classic. 10 great songs. 'Street Fighting Man', 'Jigsaw puzzle' and 'Dear Doctor' along with SFTD amongst my favourites.
Wow this is the only reactor that actually understood the meaning the lyrics the references I shouldn’t be surprised he’s a brit and they teach thoroughly and their schools were like here in America they don’t give a shit if you want to learn that kind of stuff you have to do it on your own
Mick Jagger was reading The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov when he wrote the lyrics to this song. The piano is played by Nicky Hopkins. Keith Richards plays both bass and lead guitars. Bill Wyman is shimmying the maracas. And Charlie Watts is playing the drums. A man named Rocky Dijon is playing the bongos. Brian Jones' participation is only in the "woo-woo" chorus. Regardless, this is an amazing and well-produced song. It was a great re-entry into rock and roll, which they had abandoned for the very experimental Their Satanic Majesties Request (which was not even remotely comparable to anything The Beatles had done, especially Sgt. Pepper. TSMR stands alone on its own and is now considered an art rock masterpiece).
The band I was in many years ago used to do a live mashup of "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by Bananarama if anyone fancies recreating it digitally.
Jagger may also be being metaphorical about *himself*: reveling in his narcissist, hedonist persona. I like your analysis, including the "nature of my game" question. It certainly seems like a metaphor for nations and individuals. Thanks for the insights, thoughtfulness, and positivity. Your reactions add a new dimension to songs I've been listening to forever. All the best.
You need to see The Stones live and see how the audience reacts when this song starts 🙂👍. Last time we saw them in Hyde Park, people were singing 'woo hoo' all the way to the tube station and onto the train 👍😎
Satanic Majesties Request has been redeemed over time. "She's a Rainbow" wakes up any commercial ad in which its used. "2000 Light Years From Home" and "Citadel" are really unique.
In the movie of thecreation of this track Jagger has written the poem and he nd Richrds strugleto fit music. A bongo drumer is brought in. Richards plays plays guitars,bass and drums. Brian Jones is stooned, Charlie watts does shakers.r Ian Stewart the Roady i think add poano later.. In the concert video Jones plays shakers.
The question is, how does a four piece rock band without a piano player or a percussionist pull this off live… and then you hear the version from Get Your Ya Yas out and you go, oh, that’s how, they just barrel through it.
I think Illmatic by Nas is one of the best albums in rap history, I'm currently a rock fan but before I used to listen to a lot of rap and that album is one of my favorites
You frequently mention the piano licks in the Stones recording. Ian Stewart was a founding member and is usually playing on the straight forward “four on the floor” bangers. However! You usually comment on the fabulous Nicky Hopkins who quite literally played with *everybody* before his untimely death in 1994. You should review Fresh Air by Quicksilver Messenger Service, where he was a full member of the band.
There is video of them recording and working on this in the studio and it's Keith on Piano as well as the Lead guitar. Brian, at this point, for all his Brilliance previously, is on the Maracas.
A local cinema plays it before every movie showing. The Olympic cinema in Barnes used to be Olympic studios, and they're proud of their musical history. The cinema's sound system was designed by the studio engineers, it's good. Very good.
For some reason after watching this reaction, I felt that N.I.B from Black Sabbath would be a great next reaction. Enjoying your content, keep up the good work.
Check out another song from this album that's on the opposite end of the Stones musical spectrum: No Expectations. Features the last meaningful input from Brian Jones
Great reaction video. Such an epic song and the reason why I believe they have been around for such a long time too lol, kidding but not really, deal with the devil n all that
@@ednorko5128 I'm glad you pointed this out.- Ed. It's a great tune by a phenomenal bunch of muscians. I still love Bill Wyman's playing. His lines were a driving force behind Keith and the rest in so many other tunes. His melodic power and endless punch is truly unique among any bass players. Fly on Hip Hop fan!
You were very refreshing as a reactor, you are possibly the only reactor who understood the historical reference's, I'm following on that fact first secondly I like the style of you musical assessment!
I completely agree with you, Joseph Clarke. Well said.
He understood the historical references because he's not American, he's English.
@@mimikurtz2162 I am American and I’ve understood the historical references for decades. “Troubador” stumped me initially but I then learned the term in a college course.
@@mimikurtz2162 Unfortunately true. Plus he's extremely intelligent.
He is really good. He has very intelligent takes on everything he reviews.
When Jagger/the Devil goes into that high screechy voice near the end, I always visualise it like he's dropped his "refined gentleman" disguise and revealed his true horrific appearance 😄
I also love the double entendre of "...what's puzzling you is the nature of my game." Not just that he leaves one puzzled as to what his game is. But that puzzling and misleading you IS what his game is. I just recently got this after all these years.
OK, this is absolutely the most informed analysis of this song I've seen on TH-cam. I personally understood every single reference when the song came out, that's how old I am.
Oh no - you found this one. This song started as a reaction to the assassination of Robert Kennedy in the United States. Hence the line "I shouted out ''Who killed the Kennedys.' when after all it was you and me'". The philosophical underpinning of this song will be found in many Stones songs. That philosophy is that good and bad are relative terms applied by humans to events that are, at core, neither good or bad. "Just as every cop is a criminal and all the sinners saints"
MIck often writes from the point of view of a character. In Tumbling Dice he actually becomes the dice.
You reactions are good stuff.
Happy to get a Hip Hop recommend form you.
My understanding the original line was I shouted out who shot Kennedy then literally as the album was being finished Bobby was shot and they changed the line to I shouted out who killed the Kennedys
@@jeffmazzoli9910 👍🏼
Incredible song. Many historical references, made by it's narrator, Jagger.
RIP, Charlie Watts. Underrated drummer, with a strong jazz background.
Watts is why people have to dance when they hear the Stones.
@@jessewolf7649 Something wrong with that?
Damn…I am SO enjoying your highly intelligent and informed reactions! How many reactors throw out Jung when analyzing lyrics? You so, and I LOVE it!
I agree and have subscribed
Ya me too .. I’ve heard zeppelin so many times.. but when this dude breaks it down .. it takes on a new life
The percussion is one conga player, and you were right, the core of the rhythm is based on a form of samba, which is Brazilian.
The song is based on the book, 'The Master and Margarita', written during the Stalinist era by Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov. The story concerns a visit by the devil to the officially atheistic Soviet Union. The Master and Margarita combines supernatural elements with satirical dark comedy and Christian philosophy, defying categorization within a single genre. Many critics consider it to be one of the best novels of the 20th century, as well as the foremost of Soviet satires.
^This ^
Thanks for the background. This song is so literate, the first time I heard it I thought it must have been ghost-written!
Woah! Thanks for the cool context.
I still can't believe that no one in Hollywood has made a movie of this novel - it is so cinematic and with modern CGI, the fantastical elements of the book could be readily rendered. I heard that Jagger had the movie rights at one point, but nothing has ever happened. And man, the soundtrack is already done! 😁
Quite the breadth of knowledge that Syed has, which is very refreshing.
The drums, the bass and the piano, amazing song.
Keith played the bass on this one.
The bass blows me away. Fabulous.
Guitar is pretty tight too
Keith plays bass and lead guitar
The Rolling Stones "Paint It Black"..Nuff Said.
With the great Nicky Hopkins on piano. Hope you do more songs from this album. I think that Mick has a great voice.
the piano drives this song
Nicky Hopkins also performed with The Who 👍🏻
and Jefferson Airplane
@@edwardmunoz7853 And the Kinks.
And the Beatles (he plays in "Revolution".
You kinda nailed it. It’s way more a take on how humans blame a non existing being for things they have done.
I watched with glee while your Kings and Queens fought for ten decades for the gods they made 🔥🔥🔥
The greatest trick the Devil ever played . . .
@@lewstone5430 was making people believe he didn't exist. Usual Suspects K.S.
The Devil is not imaginary...as the great French poet, Balzac, warned us, 'the greatest trick Satan ever did was convincing people he doesn't exist'....I can see Satan has fooled you linus!
So, you don't think Satan aka...Lucifer is a real being???
I'm totally down the rabbit hole now. You are so incredibly intuitive and it's brilliant.
I have studied this song and it’s lyrics for many years. I believe it has some of the best, most meaningful, perfectly written words ever. The historical references are great. For me, the song is saying this: the devil isn’t an independent actor, he works through us. We like to attribute all the bad and evil things that happen to the devil, and while he is certainly behind much of it, he can’t do anything on his own. We are the ones who do the evil acts, then we try to justify our actions and recuse ourselves from any culpability, laying it all at the devil’s feet.
Fun Fact ..singers of that haunting "whoo - whoo" background on the original studio recording was amongst others Eric Burdon from "The Animals"... and - if I remember correctly - according to an interview with Eric Burdon where he mentioned that - also John Lennon from "The Beatles" as well..who both happened to randomly and coincidentally hung around in the studio as well at that time.
Speaking of Eric Burden
He and "The Animals" recorded a cover version of the Rolling Stones song "Paint it Black" which is an example where a great musician is making an already iconic song of an iconic band into totally his own song by giving the song a totally different vibe.
The only time I experienced such an achievement at such a high level as well was decades later with Johnny Cash´s interpretation of the Nine Inch Nail song "Hurt".
I can hardly wrap my head around that there's an entire generation of people who never heard the music which was such an important part of my life. Nice work; nice work.
This is one of my all time favorite songs. I cannot tell you how nice it was to have someone with intelligence and a knowledge of history to react to the lyrics. I've watched several reactions to this song and I usually end up yelling at my scream as other reactors either don't understand or completely misinterpret the lyrics. Thanks for this. Great job. BTW, the one bit almost no one- including me and perhaps you- gets is the troubadours who are killed on the way to bombay. Turns out it was a reference to a cult of murderers and thieves in India called Thugees. They were the origin of the term Thugs to refer to bad criminals.
Thanks for that... that part always puzzled me.
@@timmiller5913 me too! ANd I won't act like I figured it out myself. I just read it somewhere but the more I looked into it, the more certain I am that its true. They killed lots of traveling musicians who were on the road from northern india to Bombay (ie Mumbia) so it fits perfectly
When I saw it played live, the lights on the stage turned blood red, and the bongos started up and played for about five minutes of extended intro. The crowd knew what was coming and was getting more and more pumped up with each passing second. When mick actually started singing the place went nuts. It was wild.
as an encore its so fkn kool .. that and /or at start of encore you hear the choir start singing so heavenly ... and knowing whats coming .. cant always get what you want ...
I really liked Lennon/McCartney, but from the standpoint of really meaningful lyrics, they rarely rose to the level of Jagger. This was genius. Lennon/McCartney were clever.
Just stumbled upon your channel. I’ve seen many reactions to this song and most fail to appreciate the historical significance of it. Great reaction sir.
Top 5 guitar solo. Hands down. The ferocity. The way he ends it with a scratch that sounds like it’s loudly spitting imo. Not singular in any one aspect but just a complete thematic tour de force.
The Bass line is the glue that binds this masterpiece.
Piano works too.
When we talk about underrated players, Bill Wyman is overlooked in the shadow of the Glimmer Twins.
@@beverlyoyarzun3326 backup vocalists too. They never get much of the credit.
@@beverlyoyarzun3326 I agree, but Keith played bass on this song.
@@beverlyoyarzun3326 it's actually Keith
A master class on reaction videos - solid intellectual and aesthetic analysis. Well done sir. Well done.
Usually, I don't watch any reactions other than LZ (subbed with you for them) and 1or 2 other favourite groups, but this song is a very long time favourite that I can't resist and probably 1of only a small handful of Stones songs that I will listen to. This is an incredible song of theirs.
Yeah I'm not a huge Stones fan either but this is a masterpiece.
Nicky Hopkins on piano. There is a TH-cam video that features the piano isolated on this song. There is a movie called "Sympathy for the Devil" which features snippets of the making of this song. BTW, Keith Richards is also playing bass on this track.
I haven't seen so sophisticated person reacting so far. Man, thank you for giving me a new perspectives on songs I've listen for years, especially this one.
Linus pointed it out below - the song is about how people blame the devil for their own actions. The devil made me do it.
I can totally see that with these lyrics, great take on the song!
@@SyedRewinds Every historical action mentioned in the song was done by PEOPLE, not some evil supernatural entity. The Devil is our whipping boy, poor guy.
@@mimikurtz2162 "Poor guy"? So what then, we should have some sympathy for the devil?
@@paulkane7771 "sympathy for the devil."? ...... hmmm .... catchy, perhaps someone should write a song about that.
.....or the Devil is saying your making this way to easy for me. Silly humans.
One of the best songs the Stones ever did. Jagger and Richards were in fact one of the finest songwriting teams in the business, and this song proves it. Jagger's vocals are, as you note, somewhat like Dylan's vocals (during certain periods of Dylan) in that he's sort of talking and singing at the same time. The notes are there, but they are not being delivered as they would be in pop music, so the melody is not as obvious as in a pop song. The delivery is a lot more visceral, and it suits the material perfectly. All the "husk and bark" has been left on the vocals, and this was found in much of the North American folk legacy, specially in the acoustic blues done by black musicians during the pre-WWII era and into the 50's. The Stones very much based their sound on the old Blues sound, specially in their earlier material which was mostly covers of Blues songs. Jagger's vocal approach was affected a lot by that. He's not your typical "singer", but his style works just right for the Rolling Stones.
I've been watching more of your music reactions (The Who, and now The Stones) and I'm finding that you are very astute in your analysis of song lyrics, and what they might be trying to say. As in alternative interpretations. Great job mate, keep it up!!
Your review here is by far the best, concise , and literate review I seen and I’ve watched many. Great job! Keep them coming.
Nicky Hopkins is the piano player. He played with many of the greatest rock acts of the late 60s and 70s, and is prominent on many of the Stones greatest songs. My favorite songs that Nicky Hopkins played on are She's a Rainbow by the Stones and Jealous Guy by John Lennon. Both songs melodic and beautiful beyond belief.
That piano on "Rainbow" sounds like a musical box when you open it ❤️. I think they ripped off the Stones' 🤣
YES!!! I LOVE THIS SONG and your reaction is spot on and man you are the shit! I love it!
This is my favorite Stones song. So great and subtle.
You are right about Jaggar's singing but he has so much style & charisma it really works. Watching him perform really clarifies that.
Love your ability to break it all down. Well done mate.
Great, I was seriously hoping you'd do this one!
Satanic majesties request is deeply underrated. Some truly great songs on it. She’s a rainbow and 2000 light years from home are amazing
The Stones attempt to follow the Beatles psychedelic trail (Sgt Pepper's) is often mocked, but you are right, those are two great songs, much underrated in the Stones canon.
Yeah it's really a great lp.. one of my favorites..
2000 man.. in another land.. etc great stuff
@@dctbassyes indeed.. it's a great mood type of LP often played late at night by me
Whenever people talk about this song. The intro with bongos is mentioned. The lyrics are of course mentioned. The guitar solo. The piano. The woo woos. But damn it the bass line is what keeps this track from going off the rails. No one ever talks about the bass line but it is what turns this song from a great song into a classic
I love when you smile because you're reacting to the same things that made me smile when I was 15. Haha. I'm 54 these days. Good job!
How are you always so spot on when breaking down a song, love ya man, keep it going 😎😎
haha thanks Steve!
This and Paint it Black are probably my favorite Stones song.
Love your reactions. It's really refreshing to see a thoughtful and intelligent fan of music. I was raised on classic rock and do not know much about hip-hop but we you said that is comparable to a hip hop song the first I thought of was "NY state of mind".✌
One of the Best Songs ever . Great Reaction ,Thank You Syed .
Inspired by the book: The Master and Margarita. Great song
I cant believe that no one else pointed this out. Legend has it Marianne Faithfull lent Jagger a copy of 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov and the rest is history.
It's also supposed to be the only song up to this point that Mick wrote without keith.
Interesting you spotted a Russian literature influence, because the song was directly inspired by another Russian writer's late master-work, a very creepy satire on Soviet society called The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov.
As in the song, scenes from the New Testament and modern life (in the novel, contemporary Moscow society) alternate, with the Devil - 'a man of wealth and taste' - playing a prominent role throughout.
It's said (IIRC) to be the greatest novel of the Soviet era, but it was too dark for me; I only made it though the first few chapters.
Jagger’s performance of this song at the Rock n Roll Circus takes this song to a new level. Don’t miss it.
Great reaction. It's amazing that people have gone through life without hearing this song. This changed the way I experienced music back in the day. And I never considered myself a Stones fan, because in the mid 60s you had to choose between the Stones or the Beatles. Lol
I been lucky enough to see the Stones in 2006 at Churchill Downs. This was the 15th song of a 19 song set list. By far, the most memorable song live with massive audience participation as backup singers for WOO WHO. The Stones live are a most see. Love the review as always.
That's because this is the best track ever recorded by anyone ever IMHO
@@philh4400 conversationally, it is not just my opinion but a scientifically proven fact, that, The Outlaw Jose Wales is the greatest movie ever made
@@richardcranium5048 A good call, but that's The Great Escape surely?
@@philh4400 you're in the ballpark for sure. I see that like myself you have been keeping current, but the research actually has The Great Escape at number 2 followed very closely by Cool Hand Luke... I believe this is something me and you could probably discuss over a couple beers. I can't today, because believe it or not I am right this minute busy putting pistons in my 77' Chevy K10 4x4. You'd probably like it, clearly you are a man of taste
@@richardcranium5048 as are you clearly, beers sounds good but there's the small problem of an ocean to overcome as well
Black Sabbath's NIV is also sung from the devil's perspective.
I agree love that you are finding all the great history put into a great sing !
you are a great . . .very cool . . .
Cop/criminal. Sinners/saints etc. It’s the nature of duality. Can’t know light without knowing what dark is. Yin and Yang! Incredible song. Amazing performance. Great analysis and insight from a writer’s perspective. Thanks for putting a focus on lyrics!
You really get it on this tune. I was born in 56 and like all my age we were all little Beatles freaks and the Stones helped by scaring us away. It was like " You kids ain't ready for this" I was about 14 when this came out . Nothing like this sound and it's like the Stones were warning us again . This song shut down the sixties and the Stones left you wondering and many got hooked,and at 18 I was all in and shelved my Beatles LPs. Sympathy meaning is pretty much what you interpret. Whether you're religious or not it puts an explanation of the bad side of humanity ,or the devil. Evil exists one way or another and if you can't recognize it you're in trouble. Sympathy is like "Recognize me "or" acknowledge me" and respect that you're following the wrong entity. Nice break down 👍👍😎
Great/smart song. Brilliant.
Such a joy watching young cat groove to the Rolling Stones. He high lights the roll of a samba beat with screaming guitar and boogie piano. Such a cool track I grooved into as a young punk. Thanks Big Brother...
Don't forget Charlie in a samba beat with Keith on bass pushing the groove...
Keep on, Mr. Syed! We thoroughly enjoy your insights. You will have many, many subscribers. Congrats.
There's almost a frenzied voodoo trance feeling here, I never thought about.
Best version of this song from the 1969 live album - get yer yas yas out!! By far! Mick Taylor’s solo at the end - timeless
Keith’s solo was no laugher either
@@bnzchacon5455 both solos are essential. You get this really muscular solo from Keith and then a more subtle solo from Taylor. Together it’s alchemy.
Keith played every guitar and the bass on this track
Your editings getting better by the day, everything feels very smooth. Great vid and analysis as always
History: Concert at Altamont, California. The concert promoters hired the Hell's Angels as security. Stones were playing Sympathy for the Devil, while a man was beaten to death right in front of the stage.
One of many Rolling Stone’s songs I enjoyed so much. Add to that, the South American rhythmic percussion play like Carlos Santana’s band was in the mix. Awesome song and one of my all time favorites. Would suggest “ Paint it black” “ You can’t always get what you want” @nd any of “ Like a rolling stone live” performance. Thank you so much Syed
The Stones are the World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band....
Connecting this tune to Dostoyevsky is something I never thought of, but makes so much sense! Fantastic work. I really dug that you understood all the references and had a command of the subject matter. It makes the song hit harder.
Good thinking there - You mentioned Dostoevsky writing in the first person perspective. My mind went to CS Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" using a demon in 1st person also in a correspondence between and uncle and nephew. Good quick read, highly recomrneded!
Pianist, Ian Stewart often called the 6th Rolling Stone. Brilliant song. Good job dissecting it.
I was the manager of a retail store at-nd the cashier called me and said someone wants to talk to you. As I got close there was a guy and his daughter waiting for me. He said "I'm not shopping at a place that plays devil music". I was not sure then I could hear "Sympathy For the Devil" was playing from our radio. I said "It's just what is playing right now". He stormed out with his child.
I am very thankful to have stumbled blindly upon your reactions and I have to applaud and admire how in depth you go with your reactions. You picked up on the historical references of this song and I really enjoyed this. As I did your reactions to a day in the life and fortunate son. Definitely have a new subscriber that's for sure!
A great reaction! Refreshing to see someone that knows the historical references. Great work…thanks!
Jagger is very clever using the crucifixion as an easter egg .
Hey the man knows some history ! Nice. The Stones stopped playing this song live for a real long time. Something bad happened a concerts when they played it. Check out the Altamont Speedway 1970 show, a disaster, a death, beatings by the Hells Angels who were supposed to be stage security. It was a controversial song in 1969. Misinterpreted. Check out the live cut on 'Get Yer Ya's Ya's Out'. Phx
I was not expecting to encounter Dostoevsky and Hume in a song reaction on TH-cam. I'm thoroughly enjoying your channel. Great job.
Thanks for admitting you’ve heard it around. I watched a reaction video of a man in his fifties claiming he had never ever heard Gimme Shelter, which is absolute bullshit. Also I like that you were paying attention to the intensity that has a subtle growth throughout. They are excellent at that and you can see it in other songs such as midnight rambler, stray cat blues, jigsaw puzzle, and loving cup.
The Beggars Banquet album is a true classic. 10 great songs. 'Street Fighting Man', 'Jigsaw puzzle' and 'Dear Doctor' along with SFTD amongst my favourites.
I really dig your philosophical take on the lyrics. Instant subscription! Thanks! ✌🏻💀
Wow this is the only reactor that actually understood the meaning the lyrics the references I shouldn’t be surprised he’s a brit and they teach thoroughly and their schools were like here in America they don’t give a shit if you want to learn that kind of stuff you have to do it on your own
Excellent, deep review. Great analysis..Thank you.
Mick Jagger was reading The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov when he wrote the lyrics to this song. The piano is played by Nicky Hopkins. Keith Richards plays both bass and lead guitars. Bill Wyman is shimmying the maracas. And Charlie Watts is playing the drums. A man named Rocky Dijon is playing the bongos. Brian Jones' participation is only in the "woo-woo" chorus. Regardless, this is an amazing and well-produced song. It was a great re-entry into rock and roll, which they had abandoned for the very experimental Their Satanic Majesties Request (which was not even remotely comparable to anything The Beatles had done, especially Sgt. Pepper. TSMR stands alone on its own and is now considered an art rock masterpiece).
The band I was in many years ago used to do a live mashup of "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" by Bananarama if anyone fancies recreating it digitally.
Always look forward to your analysis!
Love your videos. I really do. I like that you got the great lyrics of this tune. I wish you great success with your channel.
Jagger may also be being metaphorical about *himself*: reveling in his narcissist, hedonist persona. I like your analysis, including the "nature of my game" question. It certainly seems like a metaphor for nations and individuals.
Thanks for the insights, thoughtfulness, and positivity. Your reactions add a new dimension to songs I've been listening to forever. All the best.
You need to see The Stones live and see how the audience reacts when this song starts 🙂👍. Last time we saw them in Hyde Park, people were singing 'woo hoo' all the way to the tube station and onto the train 👍😎
And fun fact - there are 666 woo hoos in the track.
Satanic Majesties Request has been redeemed over time. "She's a Rainbow" wakes up any commercial ad in which its used. "2000 Light Years From Home" and "Citadel" are really unique.
In the movie of thecreation of this track Jagger has written the poem and he nd Richrds strugleto fit music. A bongo drumer is brought in. Richards plays plays guitars,bass and drums. Brian Jones is stooned, Charlie watts does shakers.r Ian Stewart the Roady i think add poano later..
In the concert video Jones plays shakers.
The question is, how does a four piece rock band without a piano player or a percussionist pull this off live… and then you hear the version from Get Your Ya Yas out and you go, oh, that’s how, they just barrel through it.
I actually prefer that version. Love that both Keith and Mick Taylor take solos
NY state of Mind - Nas is the recommended track for you guys. Let me know what you think of it here
I think Illmatic by Nas is one of the best albums in rap history, I'm currently a rock fan but before I used to listen to a lot of rap and that album is one of my favorites
By the way, I recommend you listen to Bitch by the Rolling Stones, A National Acrobat by Black Sabbath and Achilles Last Stand by Led Zeppelin
Your comments and perspectives are great. Awesome reaction.
This song is like the Pogo cartoon. We have met the enemy and it is us.
You frequently mention the piano licks in the Stones recording. Ian Stewart was a founding member and is usually playing on the straight forward “four on the floor” bangers. However! You usually comment on the fabulous Nicky Hopkins who quite literally played with *everybody* before his untimely death in 1994. You should review Fresh Air by Quicksilver Messenger Service, where he was a full member of the band.
The Stones response to The Beatles Walrus. Brilliant insight into a peerless composition. Good show.
There is video of them recording and working on this in the studio and it's Keith on Piano as well as the Lead guitar. Brian, at this point, for all his Brilliance previously, is on the Maracas.
Keith plays bas and lead,Nicky Hopkins plays the piano
A local cinema plays it before every movie showing. The Olympic cinema in Barnes used to be Olympic studios, and they're proud of their musical history.
The cinema's sound system was designed by the studio engineers, it's good. Very good.
Best use of the word "politesse" in a rock song!
It is indeed a very deep meaning song.
Great review but be sure to check out the Stones official lyric videos for this, Gimmie Shelter and other Stones reactions in future.
For some reason after watching this reaction, I felt that N.I.B from Black Sabbath would be a great next reaction. Enjoying your content, keep up the good work.
superb tune I love to spin this & watch the reactions. The message is clear, the devil (& god) is in us.
Check out another song from this album that's on the opposite end of the Stones musical spectrum: No Expectations. Features the last meaningful input from Brian Jones
Beautiful song.
Great reaction video. Such an epic song and the reason why I believe they have been around for such a long time too lol, kidding but not really, deal with the devil n all that
Once again great reaction and analysis. A minor point perhaps, but Bill Wyman is consistently brilliant in all of the Stones' material from this era
I like Bill too,but Keith Richards is playing both bass and guitar in this, Bill is playing another instrument
@@ednorko5128 I'm glad you pointed this out.- Ed. It's a great tune by a phenomenal bunch of muscians. I still love Bill Wyman's playing. His lines were a driving force behind Keith and the rest in so many other tunes. His melodic power and endless punch is truly unique among any bass players. Fly on Hip Hop fan!