About the song
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” a timeless classic by the Rolling Stones from their 1969 album Let It Bleed, encapsulates an era of cultural upheaval and personal reflection. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song stands as a poignant reflection on life’s complexities and the inevitability of compromise. Its composition and recording process were notably intricate, with Jagger initially envisioning a gospel choir to complement its message—a vision realized with the London Bach Choir, whose vocals add a stirring depth to the track.
Musically, the song unfolds in the key of C major, beginning with a memorable French horn intro by Al Kooper and evolving into a rich tapestry of piano, organ, and percussion. The lyrics resonate with themes that defined the 1960s: love, politics, and the counterculture’s disillusionment. Each verse captures a facet of these turbulent times, culminating in the resigned yet uplifting refrain that “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.”
Released as the B-side to “Honky Tonk Women,” the song initially did not chart widely but gained significant popularity upon re-release. Over the years, it has become one of the Rolling Stones’ most beloved tracks, appearing on numerous compilations and live albums. Its enduring relevance is underscored by its frequent use in popular culture, including notable appearances in the band’s concert films and political events—despite the Stones’ reservations about its misappropriation.
Critically acclaimed and ranked among the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” continues to resonate with listeners for its timeless wisdom and musical craftsmanship. Its blend of rock, gospel, and introspective lyrics remains a testament to the band’s ability to capture the spirit of an era while transcending it, making it a staple in the Rolling Stones’ repertoire and a touchstone in the history of rock music.
Video
Lyrics
I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
No, you can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometime you’ll find
You get what you need
I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, well, you might find
You get what you need
Ah, yeah
Oh
And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair share of abuse
Singing, “We’re gonna vent our frustration
If we don’t we’re gonna blow a fifty-amp fuse”
Sing it to me, honey
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find
You get what you need
Ah baby, yeah
Ah
I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
To get your prescription filled
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
And, man, did he look pretty ill
We decided that we would have a soda
My favorite flavor, cherry red
I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy
Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was “dead”
I said to him
You can’t always get what you want, well no
You can’t always get what you want. I tell you, baby
You can’t always get what you want, no
But if you try sometimes you just might find, uh, mm
You get what you need, oh yeah, woo!
Ah, woo!
You get what you need, yeah, oh baby
Ah yeah
I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well, I could tell by her blood-stained hands, sing it
You can’t always get what you want, yeah
You can’t always get what you want, ooh yeah, child
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need, ah yeah
Ah baby, woo!
Ah, you can’t always get what you want, no, no, baby
You can’t always get what you want, you can’t now, now
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find that you
You get what you need, oh yeah
Ah yeah, do that