🩸 It Didn’t Start With the Devil
When Mick Jagger first scribbled the lyrics to a new song in 1968, he didn’t plan to ignite a moral panic. In fact, the original draft wasn’t even about Satan. It was inspired by a novel.
Jagger had just finished reading “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov—a surreal Russian tale where the Devil strolls through Moscow exposing human hypocrisy. That idea stuck.
So Mick wrote from the Devil’s perspective—not to glorify him, but to shine a light on how evil often comes in charming disguise.
“Pleased to meet you / Hope you guess my name…”
🥁 From Folk Ballad to Samba Ritual
Here’s the twist:
“Sympathy for the Devil” didn’t start as a chaotic samba. It began as a slow, Dylan-esque folk song. But something didn’t feel right.
Then producer Jimmy Miller suggested an Afro-Latin rhythm. Drummer Charlie Watts added a conga-inspired beat.
Pianist Nicky Hopkins sprinkled hypnotic chords.
And then—Mick clapped. The room followed.
They created something between a séance and a street carnival.
The devil wasn’t growling.
He was dancing.
📜 Lyrics That Made the Church Nervous
The song’s verses take listeners on a dizzying trip through humanity’s darkest chapters:
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The crucifixion of Christ
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The Russian Revolution
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World War II
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The assassination of the Kennedys
But the true target wasn’t religion. It was history—and how quickly we blame the Devil for our own sins.
“I shouted out, ‘Who killed the Kennedys?’
When after all, it was you and me.”
That line stung. It still does. Because it accuses all of us—of apathy, of cruelty, of pretending we’re innocent.
🔥 Accused of Devil Worship
The public backlash was immediate.
In an era where rock already seemed dangerous, this song terrified the establishment. Rumors exploded:
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Were The Rolling Stones Satanists?
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Was the song an invitation to dark forces?
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Were they mocking religion?
The band denied it all.
Jagger said:
“It was a commentary on the nature of evil—not a celebration of it.”
But the myth stuck. And maybe, they didn’t mind. After all, controversy sells tickets.
🎤 Altamont: A Tragedy That Changed Everything
At the 1969 Altamont Free Concert, tragedy struck. The Rolling Stones were performing “Under My Thumb”—not “Sympathy for the Devil,” as many falsely believed—when a man was stabbed to death by Hells Angels, who had been hired for security.
Still, the press incorrectly reported that violence broke out during “Sympathy for the Devil.”
The song, once again, took the blame.
And the myth of The Rolling Stones as agents of chaos only grew.
👑 The Devil Wasn’t Alone—He Had Swagger
Let’s not forget: The brilliance of the song also lies in its style.
Keith Richards’ guitar licks slide through like serpent tongues.
The backup “woo-woo” vocals—improvised during recording—became a signature chant.
The groove never lets up.
Jagger’s delivery? Equal parts menace and charm.
He doesn’t snarl—he invites you in.
And that’s what made it more dangerous.
Because this Devil sounded like someone you’d meet at a cocktail party.
📀 A Song That Refused to Die
“Sympathy for the Devil” wasn’t a chart-topping single. But it endured.
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Featured in Martin Scorsese’s films
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Sampled by countless hip-hop and rock artists
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Covered by Guns N’ Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, and more
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Still played live by the Stones with theatrical flair
It’s now one of the most iconic opening tracks in rock history.
🧠 The Real Meaning? It Was About Us All Along
Mick Jagger wasn’t writing about Satan. He was writing about the human capacity for violence, vanity, and evil.
But he wrapped it in rhythm, swagger, and wit—so we’d listen. Dance. And maybe reflect.
The Devil, in the song, doesn’t hurt anyone.
He just tells you what we’ve done—and asks, politely, to be remembered.
“Tell me, baby—what’s my name?”
🎵 Song Highlight
“Sympathy for the Devil” – The Rolling Stones
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Released: 1968
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Album: Beggars Banquet
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Genre: Rock / Samba-Rock Fusion
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Length: 6:18
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Theme: Evil, historical violence, human complicity
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Legacy: Ranked #32 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”