Street Fighting Man

The Rolling Stones

About Street Fighting Man

"Street Fighting Man" is a song by English rock band the Rolling Stones featured on their 1968 album Beggars Banquet. Called the band's "most political song", Rolling Stone ranked the song number 301 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.


Year:
1969
3:15
1,165 
#2

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Everywhere I hear the sound of marching, charging feet, boy
'Cause summer's here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy
Well what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock 'n' roll band
'Cause in sleepy London town
There's just no place for a street fighting man
No

Hey! Think the time is right for a palace revolution
'Cause where I live the game to play is compromise solution
Well, then what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock 'n' roll band
'Cause in sleepy London town
There's just no place for a street fighting man
No

Hey! Said my name is called disturbance
I'll shout and scream, I'll kill the king, I'll rail at all his servants
Well, what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock 'n' roll band
'Cause in sleepy London town
There's just no place for a street fighting man
No

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in Dartford in 1962. The earliest settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (keyboards, piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums). Since Wyman's retirement in 1993, the band's full members have been Jagger, Richards, Watts and guitarist Ronnie Wood who joined in 1975. Darryl Jones (bassist) and Chuck Leavell (keyboardist) are regular contributors but not full band members. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Rolling Stones in 1989, noting that "critical acclaim and popular consensus has accorded them the title of the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”Rolling Stone magazine ranked them 4… more »

26 fans

Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Information
"Street Fighting Man" was released as a single by The Rolling Stones in 1968.
Album Inclusion
This memorable track also appears on the band's "Beggars Banquet" album.
B-Side
The B-side of the vinyl was another iconic track, "No Expectations."
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by the political and social unrest going on at the time, particularly the events of the 1968 Paris student riots.
Lyrics Contribution
Both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards contributed to the song's lyrics.
Critical Acclaim
The song is widely recognized and has received critical acclaim, ranked 301 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Controversy
Due to its political message, many American radio stations refused to play the song.
Unique Sound
One notable aspect of "Street Fighting Man" is its distinctive sound, which was achieved via recording on a portable cassette, giving it a thin, compressed effect.
Instruments
For the song, Richards played a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar with a scratchy attack, and both he and Brian Jones played sitar and tamboura, which added an Eastern flavor to the music.
Limited Release in the UK
Interestingly, "Street Fighting Man" was not initially released as a single in the UK. It was only in the year 1971 when it was first issued as a single there.
Live Performances
While the song didn't receive much radio play initially, it has been a staple in The Rolling Stones live performances, appearing in almost every concert since 1969.
Covers
Several other well-known artists have covered the song, including Rage Against The Machine and Rod Stewart.

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    Street Fighting Man

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #48


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