Rip This Joint

The Rolling Stones

About Rip This Joint

"Rip This Joint" is the second song on the Rolling Stones' classic 1972 album Exile on Main St. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, "Rip This Joint" is one of the fastest songs in the Stones' canon, with a pronounced rockabilly feel. Jagger's breakneck delivery of the song's lines spells out a rambling tale set across America from the perspective of a foreigner.


Year:
1972
2:22
352 
#3

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Mama says yes, Papa says no,
Make up you mind 'cause I gotta go.
Gonna raise hell at the Union Hall,
Drive myself right over the wall.

Rip this joint, gonna save your soul,
Round and round and round we go.
Roll this joint, gonna get down low,
Start my starter, gonna stop the show (Yeah)

Oh, yeah!
Mister President, Mister Immigration Man,
Let me in, sweetie, to your fair land.
I'm Tampa bound and Memphis too,
Short Fat Fanny is on the loose.
Dig that sound on the radio,
Then slip it right across into Buffalo.
Dick and Pat in ole D.C.,
Well they're gonna hold some shit for me.

Ying yang, you're my thing,
Oh, now, baby, won't you hear me sing.
Flip Flop, fit to drop,
Come on baby, won't you let it rock?

Oh yeah! Oh yeah!
From San Jose down to Santa Fe,
Kiss me quick, baby, won'tcha make my day.
Down to New Orleans with the Dixie Dean,
'Cross to Dallas, Texas with the Butter Queen.

Rip this joint, gonna rip yours too,
Some brand new steps and some weight to lose.
Gonna roll this joint, gonna get down low,
Round and round and round we'll go.
Wham, Bham, Birmingham, Alabam' don't give a damn.
Little Rock and I'm fit to top.
Ah, let it rock.

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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 »

26 fans

Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Contribution
"Rip This Joint" is a song from "Exile on Main Street," which is considered one of the best albums by The Rolling Stones and a prominent record in rock history.
Song Speed
It is known as one of the fastest songs The Rolling Stones ever recorded. Its lively and speedy rhythm is a contrast to many other songs in their discography.
Live Performances
Despite being a favorite among fans, "Rip This Joint" is not frequently performed live by the band. It was first presented live in July 1972, a couple of months after the release of the album.
Song Elements
The song features a horn section including saxophonist Bobby Keys and trumpeter Jim Price. The pair played a key role in creating the sound of the Rolling Stones during the early 70s.
Cultural Reference
"Rip This Joint" includes numerous cultural and historical references, particularly about American culture and society.
Song Writing
The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the main songwriters of The Rolling Stones.
Influence
"Rip This Joint" is often credited with influencing the punk rock movement due to its fast tempo and aggressive style.
Recording
Unlike a majority of the tracks on the "Exile on Main St." album, "Rip This Joint" was not recorded in the basement of Keith Richard's villa in France, but in the professional recording studio at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles.
Music Structure
The song is structurally uncharacteristic for The Rolling Stones, as it lacks a discernible chorus or bridge.
Song meaning
"Rip This Joint" is seen as a homage to rock 'n' roll music itself, referencing various cities and dance styles to convey an appreciation and enthusiasm for American cultural traditions.

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