ROLLING STONES - SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL -Revised-

Released: December 6, 1968

Charted:  UK: #14   US: #97 

"Sympathy for the Devil" is a sinister song by the Rolling Stones, written by Mick Jagger and credited to the Jagger–Richards partnership. It serves as the opening track on the band's 1968 album "Beggars Banquet." Despite its dark themes, Jagger clarified that the song is about the dark side of humanity, not a celebration of Satanism. With its haunting narrative from the perspective of the devil, boasting of his involvement in historical atrocities, the song contributed to the Stones' image as frightening bad boys. Initially titled "The Devil Is My Name" and previously known as "Fallen Angels," the song challenges listeners to consider their role in humanity's darker moments.

The lyrics were influenced by the novel "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov. Mick Jagger's girlfriend at the time, Marianne Faithfull, introduced him to the book. In Bulgakov's work, the devil is depicted as a sophisticated socialite, a figure of wealth and taste. The haunting "whoo-whoo" backing vocals were added during a take when Keith Richards' girlfriend, Anita Pallenberg, contributed them spontaneously. The Stones liked the effect, so Pallenberg, along with Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, Marianne Faithfull, and Jimmy Miller, performed the backing vocals on the record.

Keith Richards shared his perspective on "Sympathy for the Devil" in 2002, emphasizing its uplifting nature despite its dark subject matter. He likened the Devil to a constant presence, suggesting that acknowledging evil is essential for dealing with it effectively. Richards noted that the song's themes remained relevant, particularly in times of turmoil such as after 9/11. He emphasized the importance of confronting evil rather than ignoring it, suggesting that doing so renders it powerless.

"Sympathy for the Devil" touches on various historical events, including the crucifixion of Christ, the Russian Revolution, World War II, and the Kennedy assassinations. Mick Jagger began writing the song before the assassination of Robert Kennedy on June 5, 1968. Originally, the lyric referred to the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy with the line "who killed Kennedy?" However, following Robert Kennedy's assassination, Jagger modified the lyric to "who killed the Kennedys?" to encompass both tragic events.

"Sympathy for the Devil" gained a darker significance after The Rolling Stones performed it at their Altamont Speedway concert on December 6, 1969. The concert descended into chaos and tragedy when a fan was fatally stabbed by Hells Angels gang members, who were hired for security. As The Stones played the song, the crowd grew increasingly unruly. Later, during "Under My Thumb," the fatal stabbing occurred. This tragic event was documented in the film "Gimme Shelter."

Carlos Santana's perspective on "Sympathy for the Devil" reflects his belief that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards may not fully comprehend the implications of the song's lyrics. Santana expressed his disconnection with the song's message, emphasizing that the devil is not a figure to be taken lightly. His experience at the Altamont concert likely influenced his perception, as the tragic events that unfolded during The Rolling Stones' performance of the song underscored the potential consequences of playing with such themes. Santana's decision to exclude footage of The Stones from the "Gimme Shelter" film further demonstrates his reservations about their performance and its association with the violence at Altamont.