Fingerprint File by The Rolling Stones

Album: It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (1974)

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Songfacts®:

On this track, Mick Jagger sings about the F.B.I. keeping a file on him. It was probably true, considering the extensive records they had on John Lennon.
The Rolling Stones used a funk sound on this that would emerge on their next album, Black And Blue. Unlike most of their songs, they did some improvisation on this one. Keith Richards explained in a 1975 interview with Sounds: "The middle and end part was totally off-the-cuff. It could have been a much tighter three-minute thing with just the vocal and riff but it got extended."
This was the last song Mick Taylor played on as a Stone. He was replaced by Ron Wood on the next album.
Mich Jagger played guitar on this track, which was something he rarely did. He also played the guitar when they performed it live.
On Keno's Rolling Stones website, this was voted the song by The Rolling Stones which was ahead of its time when released, for two main reasons: "It's rap like before there was rap, and was written years before the George W. Bush administration would do just about everything noted in the song." >>>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 11

Rod from SwitzerlandGreat song. So funky. They played it live very extended back then. Never realised it was about big brother watching you. They really were ahead. I love it!
Rockgod from Dunellen, NjJohn Lennon was never deported from the United States. He lived in NYC while fighting for his Green Card, a case he won on his birthday, October 9, 1975, the same day his son Sean was born. A good day all around for John and Yoko.
Major Tom from Belgrade, YugoslaviaVery pessimistic and stuffy song about informational secret socities.
Peter Griffin from Quahog, Ribrian, Mick sang this song. It doesn't sound very much like him, but it is him.
Ashley from Quincy, IlIts a very chatchy song I like it.
Juan from Buenos Aires, ArgentinaThe last song in which Taylor played is Time Waits for no one. This is the last song of the album "It's Only R&R".
Lou from Scranton, PaMick Jagger plays guitar alot more than most people think.
Johnny from Los Angeles, Casorry about my comment not making sense. The Nixon administration tried to deport John Lennon because they did not like his political views, but the administration did not have enough cause, and the deportation failed.
Brian from Alluhrst, Njwho sang this mick or keith?
Johnny from Los Angeles, CaJohn Lennon was more politically active then Mick Jagger, so, as a result, he got a huge file and was deported. Stupid government.
Chelsea from Nyc, OrMick Taylor plays the prominent Bassline. Ron Wood would play Bass when performed live in the '75 US Tour.

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