You Can’t Always Get What You Want – The Rolling Stones – 1969

About The Song

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is a classic rock song by the legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and released as part of their iconic 1969 album, “Let It Bleed.” The song has since become one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring tracks.

The song features a distinct and memorable arrangement, blending rock with elements of gospel music. It opens with a church choir singing in harmony, creating a hymn-like atmosphere. Mick Jagger’s distinctive vocals then kick in, delivering a poignant message about the unpredictability of life’s outcomes.

The lyrics of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” explore themes of desire, disappointment, and acceptance. The chorus, with its famous refrain, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need,” conveys a sense of resignation and wisdom, suggesting that while we may not always achieve our desires, we can still find fulfillment in what life provides us.

The song’s timeless appeal lies in its universal message and the skillful fusion of rock and gospel elements, making it a staple of The Rolling Stones’ live performances and a beloved classic in the world of rock music. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to resonate with audiences of all generations, serving as a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of finding contentment with what we have.

Video

Lyrics

I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would meet her connection
At her feet was a footloose man

No, you can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometime you find
You get what you need

I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was a footloose man

You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, well, you might find
You get what you need

And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair share of abuse
Singing, “We’re gonna vent our frustration
If we don’t we’re gonna blow a 50-amp fuse”

Sing it to me, honey

You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find
You get what you need

Oh baby, yeah

I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
To get your prescription filled
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill

We decided that we would have a soda
My favorite flavor, cherry red
I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy
Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was “dead”

I said to him

You can’t always get what you want
Well no
You can’t always get what you want
I tell you, baby
You can’t always get what you want
No
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need

Oh, yeah, woo

You get what you need
Yeah, oh baby

I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well I could tell by her blood-stained hands

Sing it

You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want, ooh yeah, child
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need

Ah yeah
Ah yeah, woo!

Ah, you can’t always get what you want
(No no, baby)
You can’t always get what you want
(You can’t now now)
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometime you just might find
You just might find
That you get what you need

Ah yeah!
Ah yeah! Do that