Sympathy For The Devil
by The Rolling Stones
What is “Sympathy For The Devil” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Sympathy for the Devil' by The Rolling Stones portrays the devil as a paradoxical figure involved in human history, challenging listeners to introspect about evil and their own roles in society's moral failures.
So… what’s this song really about?
In 'Sympathy for the Devil,' The Rolling Stones engage with the theme of evil's seductive allure and presence throughout human history. The song has a conversational tone where the devil introduces himself not as a mere supernatural entity but as a participant and influencer in historical atrocities and moral dilemmas. By doing so, Mick Jagger's lyrics suggest that evil is not externalized but rather a part of human nature. The refrain, where the devil urges the listener to guess his name, serves as a metaphorical challenge, probing listeners to recognize and confront the 'devil' within themselves and society at large.
The song also blurs the lines between good and evil, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within each person. This duality is epitomized in lines that juxtapose cops with criminals and sinners with saints, driving home the message that everyone harbors potential for both good and evil. Furthermore, the song's dynamic and compelling rhythm complements its provocative lyrics, creating a stirring and reflective experience that encourages deeper consideration of personal and collective morality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What year was 'Sympathy for the Devil' by The Rolling Stones released?
It was released in 1968.
Q: Who wrote 'Sympathy for the Devil'?
The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones.
Lyrics to “Sympathy For The Devil”
162 ContributorsSympathy for the Devil Lyrics
[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name
Oh yeah
Ah, what's puzzlin' you is the nature of my game
Aww yeah
[Verse 3]
I watched with glee while your kings and queens
Fought for ten decades for the gods they made
I shouted out, "Who killed the Kennedys?"
When, after all, it was you and me
Let me please introduce myself
I'm a man of wealth and taste
And I laid traps for troubadours
Who get killed before they reach Bombay
[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name
Oh yeah
But what's puzzlin' you is the nature of my game
Aww yeah
(Uh, get down heavy!)
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you, hope you'll guess my name
Aww yeah
But what's confusin' you is just the nature of my game
Mmm yeah
[Verse 4]
Just as every cop is a criminal
And all the sinners saints
As heads is tails, just call me Lucifer
'Cause I'm in need of some restraint
So if you meet me, have some courtesy
Have some sympathy and some taste
Use all your well-learned politesse
Or I'll lay your soul to waste
Mmm, yeah
[Chorus]
Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name
Mmm, yeah
But what's puzzlin' you is the nature of my game
Mmm, mean it, get down
[Outro w/Guitar Solo]
Woo hoo!
Aww yeah
Get on down
Oh yeah
Ba bum bum, ba ba bum, ba ba bum, ba ba bum, ba ba bum, ba ba bum, ba ba bum, ba ba bum, ba ba bum, yeah
Ah yeah
Tell me, baby, what's my name?
Tell me, honey, can you guess my name?
Tell me, baby, what's my name?
I'll tell you one time, you're to blame
Ooo hoo, ooo hoo, oooo hoo
All right
Ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo
Ah yeah
Ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo
Ah yes, what's my name?
Tell me, baby, ah, what's my name?
Tell me, sweetie, what's my name?
Ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo
Ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo, ooo hoo hoo
Ah yeah
What's my name...