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

Songfacts®:

  • This is a reggae-influenced song. Most of their previous album, Goats Head Soup, was recorded in Jamaica.
  • Keith Richards got the idea for this from a song that came on the radio while he was driving in Munich.
  • The lyrics tell the tale of a poor laborer working long hours while his boss at the oil refinery gets rich.
  • The CD version contains an extra 30 seconds which was left off the original.
  • Ray Cooper played percussion on this track. A British session musician, he played on most of Elton John's albums in the '70s, and has also recorded with Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Roger Waters. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 4

  • Justin from MaineThat guitar tone!
  • Tim from Long Island, NyOpen G tuning, key of C.
  • Mike from Framingham, MaThis riff and the whole truthful story did and still does blow my mind. Shows the uniqueness of the Stones and always lifts my spirits. I love their aggressive, funky, rocking sound and this song ecapsulates it perfectly just like Jumping Jack Flash and Beast of Burden IMO.
  • Johnny from Los Angeles, CaI thought it was about a wife, but right now is the first time I heard it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Martin Page

Martin PageSongwriter Interviews

With Bernie Taupin, Martin co-wrote the #1 hits "We Built This City" and "These Dreams." After writing the Pretty Woman song for Go West, he had his own hit with "In the House of Stone and Light."

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

Def Leppard Quiz

Def Leppard QuizMusic Quiz

Can you name Def Leppard's only #1 hit in America? Get rocked with this adrenalized quiz.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Leslie West of Mountain

Leslie West of MountainSongwriter Interviews

From the cowbell on "Mississippi Queen" to recording with The Who when they got the wrong Felix, stories from one of rock's master craftsmen.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.