The Rolling Stones — Street Fighting Man
Album: Beggar's BanquetAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2316
Length: 3:07
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Everywhere I hear the sound of marching, charging feet, oh boy
Cause summer's here, and the time is right for fighting in the street, oh boy
But 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
But 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 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 no place for a street fighting man
No
Cause summer's here, and the time is right for fighting in the street, oh boy
But 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
But 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 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 no place for a street fighting man
No
Comments (116)add comment
Frater_Kork wrote:
The entire album has excellent sound quality. Maybe you need a new stereo system.
Impressively bad sound quality here. Not kicking the song (its an 8) but the rotten audio needs to be taken out and shot.
The entire album has excellent sound quality. Maybe you need a new stereo system.
GREAT TUNE!! Nasty bathroom on the cover (LOL!
).
).Live version of this on “Get Your Ya-Yas Out” sublime.
eileenomurphy wrote:
I saw the picture!!
I live in Charlotte, and it is true. The bar is The Thirsty Beaver - a small biker bar with an apartment building built around it (they refused to sell). I'm sure Mick Jagger doesn't often get to enjoy a drink in peace too often. Oh, to outlive your own fame!
I saw the picture!!
I live in Charlotte, and it is true. The bar is The Thirsty Beaver - a small biker bar with an apartment building built around it (they refused to sell). I'm sure Mick Jagger doesn't often get to enjoy a drink in peace too often. Oh, to outlive your own fame!
tinypriest wrote:
Always thought that too; sounds compressed and distorted. Not sure I buy into it being a "feature" anymore, lol.
I think it sounds great. Decca recordings are always good.
Always thought that too; sounds compressed and distorted. Not sure I buy into it being a "feature" anymore, lol.
I think it sounds great. Decca recordings are always good.
meatmike wrote:
I saw the picture!!
Anybody else hear about Mick going out for a beer without being noticed in Charlotte, NC? Someone took a pic of the bar and realized Mick was in front with a beer…
I saw the picture!!
Anybody else hear about Mick going out for a beer without being noticed in Charlotte, NC?
Someone took a pic of the bar and realized Mick was in front with a beer…
Bill just now about this: "A song I wish was more of a period piece." Bill gettin' all deconstructive on us. I like it!
Almost got those Golden Gloves David!
RIP Charlie. Argh, the beginning of the end of this legendary band. 
Rest in Peace, Charlie Watts. One of the greats.....
Rip Charlie Watts!!
tinypriest wrote:
Always thought that too; sounds compressed and distorted. Not sure I buy into it being a "feature" anymore, lol.
You go right ahead and gauge the production quality, I'll listen to the music and take a ride on the time machine from whence it came.
Always thought that too; sounds compressed and distorted. Not sure I buy into it being a "feature" anymore, lol.
You go right ahead and gauge the production quality, I'll listen to the music and take a ride on the time machine from whence it came.
Oh stop. It’s1968
They were innovating at the time
Solid 9
Frater_Kork wrote:
Always thought that too; sounds compressed and distorted. Not sure I buy into it being a "feature" anymore, lol.
Impressively bad sound quality here.
Not kicking the song (its an 8) but the rotten audio needs to be taken out and shot.
Always thought that too; sounds compressed and distorted. Not sure I buy into it being a "feature" anymore, lol.
acolt wrote:
You do know The Ramones are Punk Rock, right? It wasn't about the kids on the Band Stand giving it a high score cuz it sounds great that's fer sure...
And the Stones had a little more money at that point in their career versus the Ramones' financial success in 1976.
So this just came on after Blitzkrieg Pop, and the difference in sound is astounding. Amazing how a song released in 1969 can sound so much better than one released in 1976. Production matters, kids!
You do know The Ramones are Punk Rock, right? It wasn't about the kids on the Band Stand giving it a high score cuz it sounds great that's fer sure...
And the Stones had a little more money at that point in their career versus the Ramones' financial success in 1976.
So this just came on after Blitzkrieg Pop, and the difference in sound is astounding. Amazing how a song released in 1969 can sound so much better than one released in 1976. Production matters, kids!
kingart wrote:
I'm not sure what this comment means, but I like it and I agree.
1969 going on 2020. You know, in olden days, most people did not live to be 51. So WTF is it about us that a song hotly relevant in the age of Vietnam has not lost one shred of anything?
I'm not sure what this comment means, but I like it and I agree.
stop work, turn it up. What a wonderful time it was!
1969 going on 2020. You know, in olden days, most people did not live to be 51. So WTF is it about us that a song hotly relevant in the age of Vietnam has not lost one shred of anything?
Just so "Outstanding"......classic Stones ...I give it a 9...
Whoaaa... does nobody at RP read the comments?
Call me conservative... I just prefer listening to one piece of music at a time. This mix of "Experience" and "Streetfighting Man" runs on a regular base; seems the playlist is "broken".
Call me conservative... I just prefer listening to one piece of music at a time. This mix of "Experience" and "Streetfighting Man" runs on a regular base; seems the playlist is "broken".
lizardking wrote:
I think it's "Experience" and THANKFULLY that's over....
Ooooh. I thought I was having a flashback. Oh, wait.... I am.
I think it's "Experience" and THANKFULLY that's over....
Ooooh. I thought I was having a flashback. Oh, wait.... I am.
handyrae wrote:
I hear it too - for a second I thought I was going crazy.
I think it's "Experience" and THANKFULLY that's over....
I hear it too - for a second I thought I was going crazy.
I think it's "Experience" and THANKFULLY that's over....
Clarentine wrote:
I hear it too - for a second I thought I was going crazy.
...I don't know what that music is that is warring with the Stones, here, but I like it better. 
I hear it too - for a second I thought I was going crazy.
...I don't know what that music is that is warring with the Stones, here, but I like it better.
what a time that was..
moodfood wrote:
because they are the greatest Rock & Roll band in history..
Good answer
because they are the greatest Rock & Roll band in history..
Good answer
cely wrote:
because they are the greatest Rock & Roll band in history..
Why were the Stones so much better at making rock sound effortless than anyone else?
because they are the greatest Rock & Roll band in history..
One of 3 songs I can think of that borrow lines from "Dancing in the Street." Can you name the others?
Why were the Stones so much better at making rock sound effortless than anyone else?
To me, the shehnai played by Dave Mason is what elevates this song from good to great. And of course any song with a sitar is excellent in my book.
treatment_bound wrote:
I'm glad you remember that, because I doubt he does.
I'm guessing that what he can still remember exceeds your experience.
I'm glad you remember that, because I doubt he does.
I'm guessing that what he can still remember exceeds your experience.
kcar wrote:
I remember being surprised when I saw the toilet cover for the first time, many years after the album came out. The American version is just too safe. I'd love to know what the Beatles were thinking when they released "Yesterday and Today" with the butchered dolls cover...
Greatgreat song, one of the Stones' best. Tight-pants strutting..
probably because the album was a collection of all of the songs deleted or butchered from the US releases of the GB versions of earlier albums. One of my earliest basis for resentment of how the US was being treated by the music industry as a whole. Then came the crappy pressings full of regrind.
I remember being surprised when I saw the toilet cover for the first time, many years after the album came out. The American version is just too safe. I'd love to know what the Beatles were thinking when they released "Yesterday and Today" with the butchered dolls cover...
Greatgreat song, one of the Stones' best. Tight-pants strutting..
probably because the album was a collection of all of the songs deleted or butchered from the US releases of the GB versions of earlier albums. One of my earliest basis for resentment of how the US was being treated by the music industry as a whole. Then came the crappy pressings full of regrind.
As good as rock n roll gets.
Terrific song from a terrific album. Really at their peak in this period and for some time after.
capandjudy wrote:
It seems that Keith Richards is responsible for some of the Rolling Stones more memorable bass parts.
I'm glad you remember that, because I doubt he does.
It seems that Keith Richards is responsible for some of the Rolling Stones more memorable bass parts.
I'm glad you remember that, because I doubt he does.
Skydog wrote:
It seems that Keith Richards is responsible for some of the Rolling Stones more memorable bass parts.
Wyman wasn't on this track,
.
Mick Jagger – vocals, percussion
Keith Richards – amplified acoustic guitars, bass guitar
Brian Jones – sitar, tamboura
Charlie Watts – drums
Dave Mason – shehnai, bass drum
Nicky Hopkins – piano
.
Mick Jagger – vocals, percussion
Keith Richards – amplified acoustic guitars, bass guitar
Brian Jones – sitar, tamboura
Charlie Watts – drums
Dave Mason – shehnai, bass drum
Nicky Hopkins – piano
It seems that Keith Richards is responsible for some of the Rolling Stones more memorable bass parts.
Wyman wasn't on this track,
.
Mick Jagger – vocals, percussion
Keith Richards – amplified acoustic guitars, bass guitar
Brian Jones – sitar, tamboura
Charlie Watts – drums
Dave Mason – shehnai, bass drum
Nicky Hopkins – piano
.
Mick Jagger – vocals, percussion
Keith Richards – amplified acoustic guitars, bass guitar
Brian Jones – sitar, tamboura
Charlie Watts – drums
Dave Mason – shehnai, bass drum
Nicky Hopkins – piano
Can't hear Rolling Stones songs from this period without thinking of Altamont. Maybe because I'm reading Joel Selvin's book on the concert.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Skydog wrote:
I don't hear it, what is it that makes you ask?
DaidyBoy wrote:
Don't know really, I suppose the acoustic strumming guitar called it to mind. Nothing in the vocal delivery, just some chord structures, particularly around the bridge.
Proclivities wrote:
I never noticed that this song has no electric guitars on it - only acoustics - until I saw the documentary "Under The Influence". Keith Richards discusses the production of this tune, using a track of acoustic guitar which was recorded loudly on a portable cassette recorder then played back into the reel-to-reel.
okay, I had to go listen to Ringo's "Photograph", the guitars are similar with the same vibe and sound, not cords but overall tone of the guitars and I don't think I'm hearing any electric guitars.
I looked it up and there are only acoustic, G Harrison-acoustic 12string, Vini Poncia- acoustic guitar.
So Mr D B, you were on to something
Did Ringo's "Photograph" owe this song anything?
Skydog wrote:
I don't hear it, what is it that makes you ask?
DaidyBoy wrote:
Don't know really, I suppose the acoustic strumming guitar called it to mind. Nothing in the vocal delivery, just some chord structures, particularly around the bridge.
Proclivities wrote:
I never noticed that this song has no electric guitars on it - only acoustics - until I saw the documentary "Under The Influence". Keith Richards discusses the production of this tune, using a track of acoustic guitar which was recorded loudly on a portable cassette recorder then played back into the reel-to-reel.
okay, I had to go listen to Ringo's "Photograph", the guitars are similar with the same vibe and sound, not cords but overall tone of the guitars and I don't think I'm hearing any electric guitars.
I looked it up and there are only acoustic, G Harrison-acoustic 12string, Vini Poncia- acoustic guitar.
So Mr D B, you were on to something
DaidyBoy wrote:
Don't know really, I suppose the acoustic strumming guitar called it to mind. Nothing in the vocal delivery, just some chord structures, particularly around the bridge.
I never noticed that this song has no electric guitars on it - only acoustics - until I saw the documentary "Under The Influence". Keith Richards discusses the production of this tune, using a track of acoustic guitar which was recorded loudly on a portable cassette recorder then played back into the reel-to-reel.
Don't know really, I suppose the acoustic strumming guitar called it to mind. Nothing in the vocal delivery, just some chord structures, particularly around the bridge.
I never noticed that this song has no electric guitars on it - only acoustics - until I saw the documentary "Under The Influence". Keith Richards discusses the production of this tune, using a track of acoustic guitar which was recorded loudly on a portable cassette recorder then played back into the reel-to-reel.
love some Stones on a Friday afternon Skydog wrote:
I don't hear it, what is it that makes you ask?
Don't know really, I suppose the acoustic strumming guitar called it to mind. Nothing in the vocal delivery, just some chord structures, particularly around the bridge.
I don't hear it, what is it that makes you ask?
Don't know really, I suppose the acoustic strumming guitar called it to mind. Nothing in the vocal delivery, just some chord structures, particularly around the bridge.
The golden age of RS - and then after - not so much
I suspect Britain could use a street fighting man right about now.
DaidyBoy wrote:
I don't hear it, what is it that makes you ask?
Did Ringo's "Photograph" owe this song anything?
I don't hear it, what is it that makes you ask?
Just HAD to crank this one (up)
Guide for the perfect rock song: 50% drum, 30% vocal, 20% riff
A1 ROCK (no need to mention them other guys : )
Did Ringo's "Photograph" owe this song anything?
One of the all time "no one can do better than this" tracks. This is among the reference definitions of the word 'iconic'.
My first 7" vinyl purchase in paper sleeve during a trip to London. Still rocks. Still feel young!
I very much appreciate that this very hard rocking and wonderful song....is largely acoustic.
.... it's what GODLIKE was made for
Classic Stones!Is this the Foo Fighters or Nickel back or Silverchair?
Cynaera wrote:
miss you so much, Cynaera...
everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners... love this song... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Never before has this Stones song held more meaning and relevance. I love it.
miss you so much, Cynaera...
everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners... love this song... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
The Rolling Stones - A blight on society.
3 weeks 2 days and counting. Roll on BST. Stones with Jake Bugg as warm up. The excitement factor is high.
treatment_bound wrote:
I remember being surprised when I saw the toilet cover for the first time, many years after the album came out. The American version is just too safe. I'd love to know what the Beatles were thinking when they released "Yesterday and Today" with the butchered dolls cover...
Greatgreat song, one of the Stones' best. Tight-pants strutting..
Apparently, the suits at London Records (the Stones' U.S. label) determined the album sleeve pictured at the top of this page was too "harsh" for us Yanks back in '68, so they substituted this piece of safe tripe instead:
It looks like a crappy wedding invitation! I wonder if Mick & Keith are registered at Crate & Barrel?
It looks like a crappy wedding invitation! I wonder if Mick & Keith are registered at Crate & Barrel?
I remember being surprised when I saw the toilet cover for the first time, many years after the album came out. The American version is just too safe. I'd love to know what the Beatles were thinking when they released "Yesterday and Today" with the butchered dolls cover...
Greatgreat song, one of the Stones' best. Tight-pants strutting..
ick wrote:
Well that was when they had a future they didn't want to dream about, when now, they dream with no future
Time is ghastly with punk
The Stones when they were punk!
Well that was when they had a future they didn't want to dream about, when now, they dream with no future
Time is ghastly with punk
martinc wrote:
I thought this album was released in 1968. Whatever, great album, great tune.
1969 was a fine year for new music and this was just one of them.
I thought this album was released in 1968. Whatever, great album, great tune.
Just Raw music. Energy - Cutting
Wonderful
Wonderful
Boy, do I miss Brian Jones!!! The stories about Brian are the highlight of Keith's book!!!
Their best song
The Stones when they were punk!
Great song. So has anyone read Keith's autobiography? I did. Just wondering what other folks thought of the book.
Yes !!!!!
One of the best Stones song, IMHO.
Never before has this Stones song held more meaning and relevance. I love it.
1969 was a fine year for new music and this was just one of them.
danimal3114u wrote:
Nay! What of the (BANGBANGBANGBANG) drums?
Keith nails this song, as does the entire band, but the guitar is what makes this track for me. right from the intro, you know this track is classic.
Nay! What of the (BANGBANGBANGBANG) drums?
Nice!
Stingray wrote:
Always been on my Best-Stones-Songs list -10
Never been on my Best-Stones-Songs list...
Always been on my Best-Stones-Songs list -10
treatment_bound wrote:
The US 'replacement' cover was designed to look like an invitation - to a banquet.
Apparently, the suits at London Records (the Stones' U.S. label) determined the album sleeve pictured at the top of this page was too "harsh" for us Yanks back in '68, so they substituted this piece of safe tripe instead:
It looks like a crappy wedding invitation! I wonder if Mick & Keith are registered at Crate & Barrel?
It looks like a crappy wedding invitation! I wonder if Mick & Keith are registered at Crate & Barrel?
The US 'replacement' cover was designed to look like an invitation - to a banquet.
stevebeaver wrote:
The Stones have yet to coast in their now epic 49 year career.
Look for a CD of all new material AND a two year long 50th anniversary tour in 2011-12.
EDIT: We got the tour and a pair of new songs back then. Then we got the blues album in 2016. Still waiting on the album of new material but rumor has it they are working on it. New European tour last year and North America coming up this year. Current epic career year: 57.
Not a Stones fan (they have been coasting IMHO since 1972) but this rocks.
The Stones have yet to coast in their now epic 49 year career.
Look for a CD of all new material AND a two year long 50th anniversary tour in 2011-12.
EDIT: We got the tour and a pair of new songs back then. Then we got the blues album in 2016. Still waiting on the album of new material but rumor has it they are working on it. New European tour last year and North America coming up this year. Current epic career year: 57.
Never been on my Best-Stones-Songs list...
stevebeaver wrote:
I kind of agree - re the 'coasting' comment - but I will always consider myself a fan for the incredible body of work up until that point. And this never gets old for me (re another comment below).
Not a Stones fan (they have been coasting IMHO since 1972) but this rocks.
I kind of agree - re the 'coasting' comment - but I will always consider myself a fan for the incredible body of work up until that point. And this never gets old for me (re another comment below).
Not a Stones fan (they have been coasting IMHO since 1972) but this rocks.
The beginning chords of this song invariably make me crank up the stereo, roll down the windows, and drive too damned fast. I love the Stones.
Easily one of my very favorite Stones songs.
When I was a young teen in the 70's everyone was defined by the Brit Wave band with which they most identified; some were Kinks followers, others the Who, many the Beatles, but for me it was the Stones. . .
danimal3114u wrote:
Yes, the whole band kicks it, from Jagger's rage in the vocals to Charlie Watts frenetic drumming, everyone's in top form.
Keith nails this song, as does the entire band, but the guitar is what makes this track for me. right from the intro, you know this track is classic.
Yes, the whole band kicks it, from Jagger's rage in the vocals to Charlie Watts frenetic drumming, everyone's in top form.
From memory, the streets of Paris were in flames, and those of London weren't too far behind when this monsterous track was released.............
Apparently, the suits at London Records (the Stones' U.S. label) determined the album sleeve pictured at the top of this page was too "harsh" for us Yanks back in '68, so they substituted this piece of safe tripe instead:
It looks like a crappy wedding invitation! I wonder if Mick & Keith are registered at Crate & Barrel?
It looks like a crappy wedding invitation! I wonder if Mick & Keith are registered at Crate & Barrel?
Just what can a poor boy do, except to sing for a rock n' roll band? This is the shit that made the Stones the STONES!!! I love the Beatles, and will always prefer them, BUT, when you are young and frustrated, and angry at everything, the stones speak to your core.
This is the music the grunge bands were groping for!
It's all about the bass on this one. 10
I think this is a good representation of the genius studio work of the Stones from this era.
toterola wrote:
I was just thinking the same thing! Viva la revolucion!
sign me up,
can't get enough stones
guess that kinda dates me, oh well
I was just thinking the same thing! Viva la revolucion!
sign me up,
can't get enough stones
guess that kinda dates me, oh well
a_genuine_find wrote:
I was just thinking the same thing! Viva la revolucion!
Hey! think the time is right for a palace revolution
But 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
Theres no place for a street fighting man
No
But 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
Theres no place for a street fighting man
No
I was just thinking the same thing! Viva la revolucion!
Hey! think the time is right for a palace revolution
But 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
Theres no place for a street fighting man
No
The three year old likes this one too. Anything with a beat, I guess.The right channel of this jingles to hell on the upper registers on the 126 AAC channel (playing on Winamp) at first I thought it was my cheap speakers but it does it on the phones as well.
Impressively bad sound quality here.
Not kicking the song (its an 8) but the rotten audio needs to be taken out and shot.
zubietag wrote: 
Appreciate your enthusiasm, really, I do. But next time, next time can you hit the return button a couple of times so my screen isn't soo friggin wide.
Thanks.
What can a po' boy do? 'Cep to sing for a rock-roll band?
Keith nails this song, as does the entire band, but the guitar is what makes this track for me. right from the intro, you know this track is classic.
This is really the only Rolling Stones song that I have heard that I think sounds really good! The musicical sound is very good in this song and I listen for the music not lyrics even if the lyrics are good!
fureanbode wrote:
Was reminded of how good a song this is yesterday, when I saw the video of the feted new Oasis single, which rips this off so completely that it borders on the shameless.
Agreed. Still, that Oasis song rocks. This one just rocks more. And I like Oasis more than the Stones. Deal with it.
Was reminded of how good a song this is yesterday, when I saw the video of the feted new Oasis single, which rips this off so completely that it borders on the shameless.
There's a rage against the machine cover of this song that rocks. It's probably not for everybody though.
The best RS album in my book...Nobody was ever able to duplicate that sound and nobody ever will
One of my favorite Stones songs -- and I never hear it on Conglomerate Radio here in DC. So, keep it up!
I don\'t think the Clear Channel playlist should have any influence on RP. If it\'s good or provocative or groovy, Bill will play it. It only means the good stuff makes it on the radio sometimes.
Originally Posted by Whack-a-Mole:
This is off my favorite Stones album. Just because Clear Channel may play this does not mean it should not get played on RP (just not over played).
Hear, hear. Between the Buttons is my favorite Stones album, and nobody plays anything off it anymore. Wah.
Oh yes! Their Satanic Majesties!Originally Posted by Notelrac:
I mean, like, it's decent -- ok? But I don't see how it fits into the set, and I can hear it most any day of the week on the Clearchannel playlists...
Hey - even a stopped clock gets it right twice a day! ;)
Originally Posted by Notelrac:
I mean, like, it's decent -- ok? But I don't see how it fits into the set, and I can hear it most any day of the week on the Clearchannel playlists...
Break your radio.
I mean, like, it\'s decent -- ok? But I don\'t see how it fits into the set, and I can hear it most any day of the week on the Clearchannel playlists...
The entire album has excellent sound quality. Maybe you need a new stereo system.
I disagree with you. Maybe not bad, but mediocre. GREAT SONG! PS: I have excellent studio phones, amp & DAC. I also did live audio production for 25+ years & worked with many famous people in all genres of music.