Sweet Black Angel

The Rolling Stones

About Sweet Black Angel

“Sweet Black Angel” (sometimes known as “Black Angel”) is a song by the Rolling Stones, included on their 1972 album Exile on Main St. It was also released on a single as the B-side to "Tumbling Dice" prior to the album.


Year:
1972
2:58
321 
#2

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Got a sweet black angel
Got a pin up girl
Got a sweet black angel
Up upon my wall
Well, she ain't no singer
And she ain't no star
But she sure talk good
And she move so fast
But the gal in danger
Yeah, de gal in chains
But she keep on pushin'
Would ya take her place?
She countin' up de minutes
She countin' up de days
She's a sweet black angel, whoa
Not a sweet black slave

Ten little niggers
Sittin' on de wall
Her brothers been a fallin'
Fallin' one by one
For a judge they murdered
And a judge they stole
Now de judge he gonna judge her
For all dat he's a worth

Well de gal in danger
De gal in chains
But she keep on pushin'
Would you do the same?
She countin' up de minutes
She countin' up de days
She's a sweet black angel
Not a gun toting teacher
Not a Red lovin' school mom
Ain't someone gonna free her
Free de sweet black slave
Free de sweet black slave
Free de sweet black slave
Free de sweet black slave

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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 © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Band and Genre
"Sweet Black Angel" is a song by the British rock band "The Rolling Stones".
Album Inclusion
The song is included in their epic 1972 double album, "Exile on Main St."
Song Origin
The song is one of the few political songs the Rolling Stones ever recorded, expressing the band's acknowledgement of the political and social climates at the time.
Inspiration
"Sweet Black Angel" was written as a tribute to Angela Davis, a radical African-American educator, and activist who was jailed in 1970.
Trial Reference
The lyrics reference Davis being accused of murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy, charges for which she was later acquitted.
Song Composition
"Sweet Black Angel" is an acoustic tune underpinned by Charlie Watts' African drum vibe, which added a different texture to the song.
Unique Feature
It is the only fully-acoustic song on "Exile on Main St."
First Performance
Despite being released in 1972, the song was not performed live until their 1997 tour.
Musical Style
The song has a gospel-like style, including backing vocals that wre meant to sound like angels.
Rarity
"Sweet Black Angel" is one of the Rolling Stones' lesser-known songs, which makes it a gem to discover for Stones fans.
Cultural Significance
Its significance lies in its tribute to Angela Davis, making it a standout song as it catches the Rolling Stones in a rare politically-conscious state.
Reception
While it has been overshadowed by their more popular hits, "Sweet Black Angel" has been praised for its tight, focused sound and thoughtful lyrics.
Instrumentation
The song features unusual percussion, with Mick Jagger allegedly playing the maracas for the recording.
Cover Versions
"Sweet Black Angel" has been covered by various artists, including The Black Crowes, showing its lasting influence.

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