The Rolling Stones "Sympathy For The Devil" REACTION Video | react to Rolling Stones live 60s rock 

This is not the only Stones song with upbeat and dark lyrics, "Paint It Black" comes to mind. A song you should definitely react to

Good reaction. "The Devil is in all of us" was a lesson taught by my mother. And that's what's this song is about. Don't blame anyone but yourself for these tragedies, it's down to you. No one is completely good or completely bad so be careful when the devil in you pushes you towards an outcome. AND don't externalise it. It's you. All wrapped up in a funky rock song. Good, eh? Good performance by The Who from The Rock And Roll Circus but my fave is The Dirty Mac "Yer Blues" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JeFwaWFTGYU.html

This video is from The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. Great concert with a lot of good talent. Definitely worth checking out the full concert.

Took me a moment to notice this clip is 55 years old. Lyrics and all! This clip comes from The Electric Circus 1968, which was supposed to be a big Rolling Stones TV special. They made the mistake of inviting other bands so the Stones could be 'kings' at the end, but the Who ruined that plan by blowing them off the stage. (See the Who's clip, "A Quick One While He's Away", from this same event! Iconic.) So it sat in a vault instead for 30 years until getting released in the mid-90s. Great reaction, ladies, nice to see you back in action. - Glenn

Mick wrote this song after reading the Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. A Russian novel about the devil visiting post-revolution Russia. The Stones didn't release this film of the song for decades because they thought their performance was lacking as they hadn't toured in many years and The Who's performance at the Rock and Roll Circus was so sharp.

One of the Stones finest, and how cool was it to see John Lennon and Yoko freaking out in the audience too! Of course John and Jagger were good friends at the time. There was no 'rivalry' between both bands, it was all media generated because it suited the narrative at the time.

probably Keith's most iconic solo, both for the studio and all the live versions

I'm 49 years old, I've known this song literally all my life, the Stones was one of the first bands I got into. I've heard the song thousands of times, and have watched many reaction videos for it. This is the first time I've heard anyone suggest the song could be from the perspective of God. And he never says he's the devil or Lucifer. The line is "as heads is tails, just call me Lucifer."

The reason the song is so upbeat is because it's the view of the Devil himself. Of course he's happy with people dying, especially when they've violated the "rules". As we say here in Texas; Y'all be safe.

I have always loved the insanity of this performance 😂 Parents must have been terrified. Pete Townsend of the Who was in there too.

It's music and a history lesson.

Yep. Mick Jagger has always been the Eveready Bunny of rock & roll vocalists. You see the physicality he put into performing that song? At live concerts he put that into every song, start to finish. And, he never needed a choreographer, his body always just appeared to be moving in sync with his vocal chords, improvised on the spot without thought. Great band, great frontman.

Sympathy for the Devil was influenced by the decadent/symbolist 19th century French poet Charles Baudelaire's 'Les Fleurs du mal' - Flowers of Evil, and is based on the book, 'The Master and Margarita', written during the Stalinist era by Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov. The story concerns a visit by the devil to the officially atheistic Soviet Union. The Master and Margarita combines supernatural elements with satirical dark comedy and Christian philosophy, defying categorization within a single genre. Many critics consider it to be one of the best novels of the 20th century, as well as the foremost of Soviet satires. Sympathy for the Devil is considered one of the 60's greatest counterculture songs of dread and should be viewed as a companion piece to the Stones apocalyptic Gimme Shelter, Street Fighting and Dylan's/Hendrix All Along the Watchtower. These song represent the revolutionary turbulence taking place in the West in 1968. Sympathy is a song of dread and foreboding that represents the dark side of the 60's. The lyrics: 'I watched with glee While your kings and queens Fought for ten decades For the gods they made' Is a reference to The Hundred Years' War a series of armed conflicts between the kingdoms of England and France during the Late Middle Ages. As for Jagger's voice it's fabulous and perfect for the song, a mixture of contempt, derision and mockery filtered through a camp Dylanesque Blues drawl; perfect for the character of Lucifer, 'a man of wealth and taste.'

Gap ladies, the very lyric that you said confused you "Just like all the cops are criminals and all the sinners saints" is basically the crux of the song. (Of course, that lyric isn't necessarily always true. But keep in mind rock stars of that time hated the cops anyway so I digress.) The message of the song is that throughout history, there's been so many self righteous "good" people with their self righteous "good" causes, who in fact, were driven by evil in many of their deeds. So, he's saying, have some sympathy for the Devil because it's actually the devil that motivates some of you humans to do bad things to other humans in the name of "good". Also, note the lyric, "I watched with glee while your Kings and Queens fought for ten decades for the Gods they made". Anyway you get the gist of what he's saying. As for Momma gap saying she never listened to the lyrics when she was a young teenager. She shouldn't feel bad, Most teenagers didn't necessarily listen to lyrics of rock songs (unlike country songs which were pretty much all about the lyrics). In fact, I'd bet most of those stoned hippy girls and boys on that dance floor in this video weren't paying much attention to the lyrics. They were too preoccupied with watching Mick wiggling and jumping around like a jack rabbit and fainting at the sight it. (John Lennon and a few other musicians in that crowd are probably the only ones that took note of the lyrics). Most of us teens at that time, just like your mom, were more focused on the music, the beat and the guitars etc. Heck, to be honest, half the time you couldn't hear or understand what the singer was singing anyway. And someone like Mick Jagger is a little hard to understand a lot of the time. I admit, for a long time I thought he was singing, "but while fussing you is just the nature of my game" or "while bussing you is just the nature of my game", and I was like, well what does that mean? but I didn't think about it much. It was just another song on the radio in the background that I'd hear while working or whatever. It wasn't until years later when I was able to see the lyrics in print or watched lyric videos that I discovered he's saying "what's puzzling you is just the nature of my game." (Then it made more sense.) And then you also have rock songs where the lyrics make no sense. I never knew anyone back in the seventies when I was a teen that actually could decipher without a doubt what the hell "Stairway To Heaven" is really talking about, lol. They just thought it was cool sounding song and liked Jimmy Page's guitar solo. All that said, "Sympathy For The Devil" is a brillianly written song because the message is so correct and right on about how much of the history of human existence has unfolded. Oh, and a side note, have you ever noticed that the word "Devil" has the word evil in it?...Thanks Gap ladies for the reaction.

So in Catholic and Lutheran theology all believers are Sinner and Saints at the same time.

Keith is the lead guitarist and Brian Jones on rhythm guitar and he is the founder of the group and died about a year later in 1969 at his home in his swimming pool ..He was so scatter brained from drug abuse to the point that Mick and Keith had to make him leave the band ..

For my money, this is just one of the greatest songs ever recorded. The historical references, the drums, the "Woo woo" chorus, and most of all, the sheer nerve it took to write and release this song in the 1960's. I grew up with people who would be immediately offended by it without really listening to it. Just an amazing song, and one of the most important ones to boot.

Best frontman ever, In a nutshell the devil is standing back while mankind destroys itself I think!

Every big name was there, The Beatles, The Who, and on and on. I believe this was from a show they did called Rock And Roll Circus.

This is actually the very first time that The Stones ever played this song live. Brand new….Dec 1968

One of the last appearances of Brian Jones. Reduced to 'playing' maracas

When John Lennon stands up...probably done well.

Maraccas were very cool in the 60s, but often just a means of giving a vocalist who couyldn't play anything else something to do. Every would-be band would try them as a cool alternative to the tambourine (too much Salvation Army).

Not Just Lennon, but Andy Fairweather Lowe, Amen Corner, (If Paradise is Half as Nice), and Pete Townshend (The Who)

I have always liked this song! The early Stones were great!

Maybe it's about having a split personallity, the devil is his bad demon side(?) So good and evil are the same...Maybe?🤷‍♂👀🤔🥴

The lyrics deliver such imagery. "Killed the Tsar and his ministers/ Anastasia screamed in vain." That line always got me, the Bolsheviks shooting these women, children and servants in a basement on Lenin's orders. Yeah, Lucifer stuck around St Petersburg for almost 75 years.

The devil here, talks about all the horrible things he was responsible for - But ‘after all, it was you & me’ - So it’s humans who are really behind all the horrible things in history, even though we always blame it on the devil. I think he’s also making the point that “all sinners are Saints“ meaning we all have “the Devil“ in us. Nothing to do with God.

you kinda have to know your history about a few things to understand the song. its basically about the devil being present during many historical moments. pontius pilate condemning Jesus, the fall of the Russian Czars and the royal family being massacred, Kennedy assassinations and so on

11:21 Pete Townsend of _The Who_

This is from Rock N Roll Circus tv special recorded Dec 1968

That was a great live version of that song, and I can't decided whether I like it better on the version on Get Yer Ya-Yas Out. The album version on Beggar's Banquet is awesome too.

Such a classic. And to my vast memory of R&R lyrics, the only song that uses the word "politesse". Good word from Mick.

is this from "Rock n Roll Circus" ? the guy on bongos is fantastic!

One of the finest uk 🇬🇧 bands to ever come from our shores . rip charlie watts .

it's a history lesson in a song!!! studio version may be better, but great song!!!

I rarely even heard the lyrics, it was always about the music.

You should check out Bryan Ferry's storming version of this one!

The main lyrical inspiration for “Sympathy For The Devil” come from a combination of sources Mick Jagger referenced back in 1968. One known source is Charles Baudelaire the French writer and the other is Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel ‘The Master And The Margarita’. His then girlfriend Marianne Faithfull gifted the latter to him. The book features the Russian writer skillfully blending fantasy with social satire. Baudelaire for example compares the life of Jesus Christ with that of an artist in Soviet Russia, against the backdrop of arbitrary attest and psychiatric hospitals.

The devil is boasting of his role in all these events & he wants his credit so "say my name!" Sympathy for him meaning he feels like he isn't getting the credit he deserves. I didn't pay deep attention to lyrics when I was a teenager. Great reaction!!

Dark lyrics with upbeat music seems to be a thing in the late '60s and '70s. Many of the older generation considered Mick Jagger to be the Devil incarnate. Never saw this video before. Thanks. That was fun to see. (at the time, I never paid attention to lyrics also) Nice take on the lyrics (and fashion). Cool.

So glad you liked that. I’m 69 and grew up with this age of music. This music and this kind of performance is what we were drowned in. It was a fabulous time to be growing up. I’m so so lucky.

That was quite the performance! Mick Jagger is charismatic on stage. Great beat. I need to read those lyrics just out of curiosity. I just know that the devil is a fallen angel and a liar and tempter. As an angel, he said, “I will be like the most high.” That is when God cast him out of Heaven. Yes, sure enough, that was John Lennon Yoko Ono. They were definitely enjoying the music. John really appreciated the music of others. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Haram was one of his favorite songs. He also ran into Karen Carpenter at a restaurant one time, and paid her a huge compliment. You who else I thought I saw in the audience in this concert? Patti Boyd. I could be wrong.

No one has the moves like Jagger

With the Rolling Stones, you're always going to get great rock and roll. Mick Jagger is one of rock's greatest showman.

For the record, the song "Moves Like Jagger " is not about his dancing. 😁

There's a Black Sabbath song....N.I.B? Maybe? Possibly? Can't remember off the top of my head......which is all about the devil falling in love. The idea always made me smile.

I'll give them credit for reacting to a live version of this song. Most reactors react to the stupid studio version with the Stones GFs doing the ridiculous woo-woos. On GET YER YA YAS OUT, the Stones best live album, the live version of this song is INCREDIBLE. No more dumb ass woo woos. Instead, you get this blazing guitar solo from MICK TAYLOR. That guitar solo is EPIC. HISTORIC.

why do reactors insist on doing live versions first? The studio version is the way to go 99% of the time.

As is typical with rock and roll music of that era, the quality of the performance is lower live, but the energy is higher. I enjoyed your reaction very much. Time to do another HOME FREE video. I strongly recommend, "Ain't Goin Down Till the Sun Comes Up". A Garth Brooks classic. It is absolutely terrific.The harmonica solo he performs is impossible but true. It is so far beyond his performance in "Man of Constant Sorrow". We have a ball watching you!!!

I think you got it mostly right, but I think it's simply the Devil speaking. But, correct, in the sense that he is the scapegoat for all the ills in the world, as if we, ourselves, have no say in the matter...If it's good, it's god. If it's evil, The devil made me do it!..Btw!..Congrats on expecting another little one!

Mick Jagger, a typical reserved English man, lol. Also in the crowd at the end was Pete Townshend from the Who.

Just a list of the historical events mentioned in the song for anyone who may be uncertain about some of the lyrics. "I was 'round when Jesus Christ had his moment of doubt and pain, Made damned sure that Pilate washed his hands and sealed his fate" (reference to Roman governor, Pontius Pilate who crucified Christ on the cross). "Stuck around St Petersburg when I saw it was a time for a change. Killed the Czar and his ministers, Anastasia screamed in vain" (reference to when the Bolsheviks took control and killed Czar Nicholas II of Russia and his family. Anastasia was the youngest of his daughters who were all murdered. She was 17 years old when it happened. It was thought she may have survived until her remains were found and confirmed in 2007). "I rode a tank, held a General's rank when the Blitzkrieg raged and the bodies stank" (This could be a reference to either German Generalfeldmarschall Rommel or US General George Patton. Both commanded tank divisions in WWII. Patton is most famous for the Battle of the Bulge. The largest and bloodiest single battle fought by the United States in the war. And the and the third-deadliest campaign in American history. ** My great uncle served under Patton and was there for that battle and others. He refused to ever talk about the war!) The "Blitzkrieg" is a military tactic of launching a fast, rapid advance of combined arms to achieve an overwhelming surprise attack on the enemy. "I watched with glee while your Kings and Queens fought for ten decades for the Gods they made". (Pretty sure this is a reference to the Crusades and Holy Wars which actually lasted about 3 centuries I believe. Or maybe the Religious Wars in Europe from 1517 to1648). "I shouted out who killed the Kennedys when after all it was you and me" (Reference to the assassinations of President John F Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy) "I laid traps for the troubadours who get killed before they reach Bombay" (I've read that "troubadour" in this context is a metaphor for musicians, poets and artists. The line about getting "killed before they reach Bombay" is a metaphor for their messages being deliberately sabotaged or thwarted on some way by others who disliked what they were about. Bombay (Known as Mumbai, India today) was a hub for musicians, poets and artistic expression.)

Great interpretation. I was about to assume the expected one and move on but you surprised me. Interesting and now understand what your Mum said. Well done.😊

"Sympathy", which is a samba, was on the brand-new "Beggars Banquet", the band's only album release of 1968. To promote the LP, "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus" was filmed December 11 and 12, 1968, and featured, besides the main attraction, the Who and the early Jethro Tull (with Tony Iommi filling in on guitar). The Stones were in good form, but the band didn't like the performance, and the concert was never broadcast. It wasn't released until 1996. This show marked the final appearance of Brian Jones with the group; he was, by then, alienated from the other band members. He is relegated to maracas here, and seems to be merely going through the motions. He was asked to leave the following May, and died in July, 1969, drowning in his own swimming pool.

I was 18 when this came out on the Beggars Banquet Album. I've heard it a ton on the album and I have to say the Album sounds so much better "much fuller" than this live version " a bit thin". Prob just me though, lol. Was a great tune to add to your getting stoned repertoire back in the day....Thx for your reactions MG/BG :)

Lucifer is a FALLEN ANGEL. He wasn't meant to be evil, and deserves sympathy sometimes. Gods' rejection is Lucifers' personal tragedy.

The song is about how to recognize the devil behind all the terrible wars violence, murder, etc., through history. The lyrics starts off with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Assassinations, brutalties, all done by humans who are "sympathetic to the devil." It's a brilliant commentary of the evil in man and what terrible destruction it creates in our world.

Mick is saying have some sympathy for the devil as the devil has been blamed for various wars and assassinations. Whereas, as Mick says, it's because of you and me.

A "HEAD"S UP" to both of you "Generation Gap Reacts". BE AWARE OF CHOOSING INFERIOR & LATER "live" VERSIONS TO REACT TO INSTEAD OF THE (almost always, believe me) SUPERIOR ORIGINAL RECORDING STUDIO VERSION. As is woefully the case here with your choice of a "LIVE" version of "SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL", instead up the earlier (in 1968) definitive - original - version.

There's a whole lot to uncover about this performance. There were a lot more stars there, Pete Townshend and more of the Who, Clapton, many more. Last performance with the Stones for Brian Jones.

Dear Gap Girls, First congratulations on your coming Baby (both to the Mom and the Grandma) 😊 Concerning the video, I can assure you fully, that this song is not a Message from GOD. The devil is not to be taken lightly, and the devil is not worthy of any sympathy at all. Do not be deceived! The devil is headed for The Lake of Fire for all of Eternity, along with all of those who reject CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR (ref: Revelation 20:10, I John 5:12, Revelation 20:15). "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the SON of GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8) Truly, truly, sin is the problem. The Answer Is The Cross!! ✝ "In Whom we have Redemption through HIS Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace;" (Ephesians 1:7) Dear One, If you are wrong about WHO JESUS IS, it really won't matter what you are right about, will it? - With Kind Regards and CHRIST's Love, Jim Linneman, Nine Seven Zero Five Four One One Two Two One

*Maybe you know it from the GUNS N' ROSES cover version, which was released in 1994 and was used in the end credits of the movie "Interview With A Vampire" (1995)(Starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt).* 🎵🎬📽🎬🎵🎸💿🎵🔥

"........this is a good song to clean the house to..........or burn it down".............very heavy lyrics and IIRC the song was banned from the radio. This is a live version for a TV special they did......you are probably more familiar with the studio version which is heavy on the piano and lighter on the guitar.

Great choice! One of the greatest rock songs ever! Y ou would love the live version from the get her Yas Yas out album from the 69 your recorded at Madison Square Garden one the best live albums out there!

Pete Townsend, from The Who, was also in that audience, probably looking for ideas!! 😲

The Rolling Stones followed James Brown on the T.A.M.I show back in 1964, Jagger was so impressed with James Brown's moves that you can see he tries to imitate him, great footage though and here is the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cDgjE6KYSyA.html

Over 50 half a century ago. We all got older, now grandparents and great-grandparents. Bit same time before it was released, WW1 about to kick off. Music so different both in UK and US. Kennedy wouldn't have been born. The music is not so much upbeat as like some of the Caribbean voodoo sounds. A little bit of the West African music when juju men came by in a parade when I was a child in Benue region

I think it's about both Lucifer and humans. He says he made damn sure the Pilate washed his hands......sealed His fate. But also, sinners and saints. She some courtesy, or he'll lay your soul to waste. Not exactly innocent, but................

I can't believe a lot of people didn't know who he was singing about. Lucifer!!!!

The basis of the song is the devil saying "Remember this, and that which happened? That was ME. But, I had help from YOU!"

The Jagger one is 80 now, and he's still the bleeding same, give a bit. How so ? The song, to me, is essentially ripping to bits the falsehood of a lot of politicians , esp in the U.S. , in the pay of big firms, to promote their "activities".

From the RS' Rock n Roll Circus. You ladies really need to do The Who - A Quick One While He's Away, from the same show.

The song is from Lucifer not God--Lucifer's point was he's bad pay him respect but also humanity is not without stain...he's also perverting things a bit to exaggerating the badness of man to help man slide down even more. The tradgedies were ultimately caused by Lucifer(according to the song) but yes man plays his part.

I lay traps for troubadors who get killed before they reach Bombay....refers to the assassination of Ghandi.

I think he's just saying something along the lines of "Yeah, I'm the Devil and I tempted you into doing all that terrible stuff, but ultimately you were weak and you did it yourself, not me."

Great reaction! There were a few famous people from that time period in the the crowd….of John and Yoko , but there also members of the Who , The Doors, and few solo artists…I think your that theory about it being the Devil’s perspective was correct…he was saying man was to blame for actual committing of the horrible tragedies in history and the devil was being used as a scapegoat, but it’s still the Devil, so in regards to the cops are criminals/sinners are saints line, from Devil’s perspective they would be…the song isn’t saying the Devil’s a good guy, just he shouldn’t get all the blame…

7:40 John Lennon having a whale of a time! In my view the lyrics focus on atrocities though out history, and how it's easier to blame 'The Devil' than accept responsibility for our own (mankinds) actions.

Besides Yoko and John Lennon, I saw Pete Townsend and Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and who might have been Taj Mahal.

I never saw this before- thanks ! Outstanding !

For a different rock vibe try Soul sacrifice by Santana at Woodstock - just brilliant (with no lyrics!)

It's a joy watching you two,and sometimes very funny.You can interpret this song in anyway you want.But it's pretty obvious. Don't know when this was posted,but hope all goes well with ur little bun in the oven.

I enjoy watching you. i have heard this song hundreds of times but this caught my attention this time around. "Just as every cop is a criminal and all the sinners saints, as heads is tails, just call me Lucifer. Cause I'm in need of some restraints". This feels like it is for today also.

Mind you: This song is a flower power song. Drugs inspired. The hippie period where lyrics needed to be a bit mysterious. Listen to the Doors. Their lyrics are just like this.. Lose elements that need the audience to think and interprete.. These songs do not have a clear beginning, middle and end.

There was a thing known as "the Jagger swagger" That's how some girls would describe a boy she liked . Lol

The composition (the physicality of the performance did not impress me much) has its undoubtable charm - but the charm is dark. The older I get, the murkier to me seems the idea of a pop singer speaking for the devil. It is a very bad daring thing to do, and what's the purpose?.. And if the purpose is to make the listener think deep into what is being said in the song - well I do, and it brings tears to my eyes. Because two of the bad deeds of the devil in the song relate to my home country Russia (by the way, the idea for the song was inspired on Jagger by a book 'Master and Margarita' from a Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov) - first is the bolsheviks killing the Tsar and his family (and consequently a dozen millions of my compatriots), second the Hitler's Blitzkrieg that killed another 27 million of my compatriots. Devil's deeds? Oh yes, very much so, I do believe so. And then I look to what happens today, with all the innumerable military supplies aimed to destroy my home country again. A new assault of the devil on my country and people, another time around amd in line with the previous two mentioned in the song, and I cannot see it any other way. I am sorry to sound that bitter here, but that is how I feel now listening to it... The song's meaning grows up with time and provides a lot to think of, for sure.

Some said the Stones made a deal with the devil. I wonder where they got that idea?

If you watched Interview with the Vampire, you might recognise it from there

Every criminal swears they're innocent (Saints) and every time there is an issue with a police officer they're all called criminals.

(25,000)

Wow, I love this song...but I have never seen this version...Thank you

Hence the term: "MOVES LIKE JAGGER!" 🤣

I see John and Yoko but is that Pete Townsend in the green? The camera stops for a moment that what really made me look. To me it looks like a young Pete Townsend.

this was taken from the rolling stone's 1969 tv-show that never aired called "the rock and roll circus." it never aired because brian jones, the blonde cat playing the maracas, the founder of the stones, was ousted from the group and died soon after the tv-show was recorded. this isn't the best version of this song. i always suggest listening to the studio versions of songs before live versions. the tv-show, recorded december 1968, had the who, jethro tull, taj mahall, marianne faithful and a super group named "the dirty mac" formed just for this show consisting of john lennon, eric clapton, keith richards and mitch mitchell performing the beatles "yer blues" from their white album. the stones, of course, close their own tv-show. the show remained unreleased until about 2005 or something. they released it on dvd. all the performances are really good and the video is worth a look. thanks for the video.

The song is about how the devil gets blamed, "the devil made me do it" and often its just a cop out .We are all capable of evil so beware , is the message.

The music is like the devil having a party in hell bragging about his deeds.

Hello I have someone for you to react too I don’t believe either of you heard how about doing Ren hi Ren or Jenny & screech full video of you want a great song writer singer and he also raps play guitar why he sign and when he raps

I have heard of Mick's performance style described as " a rooster on acid" lol

The devil is basically saying of all the sins he has done, man is not that innocent either, man has conspired with me, and has done far worse things, so please have some sympathy on me...

Whatever happened to Nightwish? Have you deserted us? Hahahahahaha