The Rolling Stones - You Can’t Always Get What You Want (Official Video) [04:28 | Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Choral Music, British Rock, Gospel, Blues Rock, Singer-Songwriter]
Lyrics video: The Rolling Stones - You Can’t Always Get What You Want (Official Lyric Video) [07:30] https://youtu.be/krxU5Y9lCS8
A classic off of the Stones’s Let it Bleed that deals with the difference between desire and need. The main point it tries to get across is that life can suck sometimes when you’re trying to get something you think you need, but that usually ends in you getting what you actually need.
The song is also viewed as a depiction and signal of the end of the 1960s (the song was released in ‘69), as it deals with love, drugs, and politics. It isn’t always viewed as having a positive outlook on the future, but the underlying tone is somewhat optimistic (you’ll get what you need).
The song is one of the Stones' best-known songs and has become a classic rock staple.
Fifty years ago this past December, the Rolling Stones solidified the bluesy rebirth they had begun on Beggars Banquet with Let It Bleed. It was an album which found them in transition, with Brian Jones playing on a few tracks and his replacement Mick Taylor doing so as well. Many guest stars also contributed, but it was really an album that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards willed into existence amidst some typical band chaos.
There are two theories as to the identity of "Mr. Jimmy," who appears in the third verse:
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill
It could be a reference to Jimmy Miller, who was The Stones' producer at the time, but it might also refer to Jimmy Hutmaker, a local character who wandered the business district in Excelsior, Minnesota, a trendy artist community outside Minneapolis near Lake Minnetonka. Hutmaker, known as "Mr. Jimmy," had some disabilities but seemed mentally sharp most days, although he would talk to himself a lot. He walked miles every day and was cared for by the local shop owners until his death on October 3, 2007.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply an avid listener, understanding the meaning behind this classic tune can help you connect with its inherent message on a deeper level. In this article, we’ll delve into the artistry and wisdom behind “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” examining its lyrics, the story behind its creation, and its lasting impact on the music industry.