You Can't Always Get What You Want

The Rolling Stones

About You Can't Always Get What You Want

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" is a song by the Rolling Stones on their 1969 album Let It Bleed. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it was named as the 100th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in its 2004 list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" before dropping a place the next year.


Year:
2007
1,459 
#8

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Well, I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would go meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man

No, you can't always get what you want
No, you can't always get what you want
No, you can't always get what you want
But if you try sometime, you just might find
You get what you need

And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair shares of abuse
Singing, "We're gonna vent our frustration
And if we don't, we don't blow a 50-amp fuse", yeah

And no, you can't always get what you want
No, you can't always get what you want
Well, no, you can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need, baby

And I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
To get your prescriptions filled
I was standin' in line with Mr. Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill

We decided to have a soda
"Whatcha favorite flavor?", "Cherry red"
And I sung my song to my friend Jimmy
And he said one word back to me, that was "Dead"
I said

Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, you just might find
You get what you need

Oh, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want

And I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
And she was practiced that the art of deception
I could tell by her blood-stained hands

Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want

Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
Oh, you can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need

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The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in Dartford in 1962. The earliest settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (keyboards, piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums). Since Wyman's retirement in 1993, the band's full members have been Jagger, Richards, Watts and guitarist Ronnie Wood who joined in 1975. Darryl Jones (bassist) and Chuck Leavell (keyboardist) are regular contributors but not full band members. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Rolling Stones in 1989, noting that "critical acclaim and popular consensus has accorded them the title of the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”Rolling Stone magazine ranked them 4… more »

26 fans

Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin & Year
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" song by The Rolling Stones is from their 1969 album "Let It Bleed".
Song Inspiration
It is rumored that the song was inspired by Mick Jagger's then-romantic partner, Marianne Faithfull, who had developed a strong drug addiction.
Musical Arrangement
The song begins with a boys' choir from the London Bach Choir, performing an introductory verse, which was a surprising and innovative inclusion in a rock song of that era.
Lengthy Release
At 7 minutes and 28 seconds, the song is one of The Rolling Stones' longest on any of their studio albums.
Live Performance Debut
The live debut of the song was at the London's Hyde Park in 1969. It was performed just two days after the tragic death of the band's founder, Brian Jones, and the song was dedicated to him.
Chart Performance
Despite its length and unconventional beginning, "You Can't Always Get What You Want" hit number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
Song Theme
The song reflects the idea of accepting what life gives you and making the most of it; articulating that while you might not get what you want, you often get what you need.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered this song, including Aretha Franklin, Luther Allison, Ituana and Britney Spears.
Political Usage
The song received significant media attention during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Campaign when it was regularly played at Donald Trump's political rallies, despite the band's public objections.
Film & TV Appearances
The song has been featured in several movies and TV shows including "The Big Chill," "Flight," "TwentyFourSeven," and in the season finale of "Californication."
Production Details
The organs in the song were played by Al Kooper, who also played the piano. The French horn was provided by an uncredited performer. Jimmy Miller produced the song.

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    You Can't Always Get What You Want

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #42


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