When the Whip Comes Down

The Rolling Stones

About When the Whip Comes Down

"When the Whip Comes Down" is a song by rock and roll band The Rolling Stones from their 1978 album Some Girls. "When the Whip Comes Down" was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, although Jagger handled the song's lyrics.


Year:
2015
18 
#1

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When the whip comes down

Yeah Mama and Papa told me see I was crazy to stay
I was gay in New York, just a fag in L.A.
And I took the money and I took the plane
No matter where I go they treat me the same

When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down

Yeah, some call me garbage when I'm sweeping up the street
And I never roll and I never cheat
And I'm filling the need, I'm filling the hole
My mama's so glad I ain't on the dole

When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down

Yeah I'm coming from fifty-third street and they spit on my face
Well I'm learning the ropes and I'm learning the trade
Well the east river truckers are churning with trash
I got so much money I'll spend it too fast

When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down

When the shit hits the fan
I'm sittin' on a can
When the whip comes down
When the shit comes down

When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
When the whip comes down
Yeah check it out there

When the whip comes down
Yeah when the whip comes down
Yeah when the whip comes down
When the whip comes down

Yeah then check it out, check it out, check it out
Check it out, check it out
Check it out, check it out, check it out, check it out
Check it out, check it out, check it out
Check it out, check it out, check it out

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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 »

27 fans

Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Song Background
"When the Whip Comes Down" is a song by the legendary British rock band, The Rolling Stones. It is the second track on their 1978 album "Some Girls."
Lyrical Theme
The song is known for its provocative lyrics that address themes of homosexuality and male prostitution.
Stones' Change of Style
It was part of the album where The Rolling Stones embraced a punk-rock style and dance-oriented sound, which was different from their earlier bluesy rock tracks.
Mick Jagger's Inspiration
Lead vocalist Mick Jagger stated that the inspiration for the lyrics came from the gay disco scene in New York City and the rise of punk rock.
New Band Alignment
During the making of "Some Girls" album, Ronnie Wood started to contribute significantly and became a vital part of The Rolling Stones, replacing Mick Taylor. "When the Whip Comes Down" marks one of his early contributions to the group.
Song acknowledgement
Though not released as a single, "When the Whip Comes Down" was performed live at many concerts and appreciated by the audience.
Live Performances
The song's first live performance was in 1978 on the US-tour promoting the "Some Girls" album.
Unique Sound
The song is noted for its distinctive guitar work, with Keith Richards delivering a mean rhythm guitar part and Ronnie Wood contributing to the slide guitar parts.
Rock Sensuality
Despite the controversial and challenging themes, the song encapsulates the Stones' trademark mix of rock 'n' roll grit and sensuality.

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