Introduction:
Released in 1971, “Brown Sugar” became an instant classic and a defining song for the English rock band The Rolling Stones. The genre-bending track, a fusion of blues and rock and roll, was written primarily by Mick Jagger, with songwriting credit also given to Keith Richards. Jimmy Miller, a longtime collaborator with the Stones, produced the song.
“Brown Sugar” launched The Rolling Stones’ album Sticky Fingers, and it quickly became a chart-topping hit. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada. It has endured as a fan favorite for over five decades and remains a staple on the band’s setlists at concerts. “Brown Sugar” has also been featured on numerous Rolling Stones compilation albums and live recordings, a testament to its lasting popularity.
The song’s opening riff is one of the most recognizable in rock history. Built on a distinctive guitar line played by Keith Richards, the riff sets the energetic tone for the entire song. “Brown Sugar” showcases the powerful vocals of Mick Jagger and the tight, blues-influenced playing of the band’s rhythm section, bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts.
“Brown Sugar”‘s impact extends far beyond the commercial success it achieved upon release. The song’s opening riff has been sampled by countless artists across various genres, a sign of its enduring influence on popular music. The song has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
However, “Brown Sugar” has also generated controversy due to its lyrics, which have been interpreted as referencing slavery and sex. The Rolling Stones have faced criticism for the song throughout their career, and some radio stations have either censored the lyrics or removed the song from their playlists altogether. Despite the controversy, “Brown Sugar” remains a significant song in the Rolling Stones’ catalog and one of the most recognizable rock and roll anthems ever written.
Video:
Lyrics:
Gold Coast slave ship bound for cotton fieldsSold in the market down in New OrleansSkydog slaver know he’s doin’ all rightHear him whip the women, just around midnight
Brown Sugar, how come you taste so good?Brown Sugar, just like a young girl should, oh no
Drums beatin’ cold, English blood runs hotLady of the house wonderin’ when it’s gonna stopHouse boy knows that he’s doin’ all rightYou should have heard him, just around midnight
Brown Sugar, how come you taste so good?Brown Sugar, just like a young girl should, yeah
Brown Sugar, how come you dance so good?Oh, got me quittin’Brown Sugar, just like a black girl should, yeah
Now, I bet your mama was a tent show queenAnd all her boyfriends were sweet 16I’m no school boy but I know what I likeYou should have heard them, just around midnight
Brown Sugar, how come you taste so good? Oh, no noBrown Sugar, just like a young girl should
I said, yeah, yeah, yeah, wooHow come you, how come you dance so good?Yeah, yeah, yeah, wooJust like a, just like a black girl shouldYeah, yeah, yeah, woo