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The Rolling Stones — Street Fighting Man
Album: Beggar's Banquet
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2189









Released: 1969
Length: 3:07
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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
Comments (115)add comment
 Frater_Kork wrote:

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.
Posted 4 months ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
GREAT TUNE!! Nasty bathroom on the cover (LOL!  ).
Posted 6 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Live version of this on “Get Your Ya-Yas Out” sublime.
Posted 2 years ago by GHoffmeyer    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 2 years ago by Exothermic    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 2 years ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
 meatmike wrote:

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!!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
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…
Posted 2 years ago by meatmike    [ Reply ]
Bill just now about this: "A song I wish was more of a period piece." Bill gettin' all deconstructive on us. I like it! 
Posted 2 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
Almost got those Golden Gloves David!
Posted 2 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
RIP Charlie. Argh, the beginning of the end of this legendary band. 
Posted 2 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
Rest in Peace, Charlie Watts. One of the greats.....
Posted 2 years ago by 3Chords    [ Reply ]
Rip Charlie Watts!!
Posted 2 years ago by riaandd    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Oh stop. It’s1968 They were innovating at the time Solid 9
Posted 3 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
 Frater_Kork wrote:
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.
Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
 acolt wrote:
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.
Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 3 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
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.
Posted 3 years ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
stop work, turn it up. What a wonderful time it was!
Posted 3 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
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?  
Posted 3 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Just so "Outstanding"......classic Stones ...I give it a 9...
Posted 4 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
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".
Posted 4 years ago by sb204    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

I think it's "Experience" and THANKFULLY that's over....
 
Ooooh. I thought I was having a flashback. Oh, wait.... I am.
Posted 4 years ago by stalfnzo    [ Reply ]
 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....
Posted 4 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 Clarentine wrote:
...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.

Posted 4 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
...I don't know what that music is that is warring with the Stones, here, but I like it better.  
Posted 4 years ago by Clarentine    [ Reply ]
what a time that was..
Posted 5 years ago by studionord    [ Reply ]
 moodfood wrote:


  because they are the greatest Rock & Roll band in history.. 
 
Good answer
Posted 5 years ago by Will62    [ Reply ]
 cely wrote:
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.. 
Posted 5 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
One of 3 songs I can think of that borrow lines from "Dancing in the Street." Can you name the others?
Posted 5 years ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
Why were the Stones so much better at making rock sound effortless than anyone else?
Posted 5 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 6 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 6 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 6 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
As good as rock n roll gets.
Posted 6 years ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
Terrific song from a terrific album.  Really at their peak in this period and for some time after.
Posted 6 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 7 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
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

 
It seems that Keith Richards is responsible for some of the Rolling Stones more memorable bass parts.  
Posted 7 years ago by capandjudy    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 7 years ago by poetdancer    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:
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
 
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}love some Stones on a Friday afternon
Posted 7 years ago by fredsugaree    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 7 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
The golden age of RS - and then after - not so much{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananajam}{#Bananapiano}{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}
Posted 7 years ago by below72    [ Reply ]
I suspect Britain could use a street fighting man right about now.
Posted 7 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:
Did Ringo's "Photograph" owe this song anything?

 
I don't hear it, what is it that makes you ask?
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Just HAD to crank this one (up)
Posted 7 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
Guide for the perfect rock song: 50% drum, 30% vocal, 20% riff 
Posted 8 years ago by raga    [ Reply ]
A1 ROCK   (no need to mention them other guys  : )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Did Ringo's "Photograph" owe this song anything?
Posted 8 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
One of the all time "no one can do better than this" tracks. This is among the reference definitions of the word 'iconic'. 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
My first 7" vinyl purchase in paper sleeve during a trip to London. Still rocks. Still feel young!
Posted 8 years ago by Chumbawamba-1984    [ Reply ]
I very much appreciate that this very hard  rocking and wonderful song....is largely acoustic.
Posted 9 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}  
{#Dancingbanana_2} 
 {#Bananajam}  
{#Dancingbanana_2} 

.... it's what GODLIKE was made for
 
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana_2}Classic Stones!
Posted 10 years ago by musikluvr    [ Reply ]
Is this the Foo Fighters or Nickel back or Silverchair?
Posted 10 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
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...
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
The Rolling Stones - A blight on society.
Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
3 weeks 2 days and counting.  Roll on BST.  Stones with Jake Bugg as warm up. The excitement factor is high.
Posted 10 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
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?

 

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.. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:
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
Posted 11 years ago by ambrebalte    [ Reply ]
 martinc wrote:
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.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Just Raw music. Energy - Cutting

Wonderful 
Posted 11 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
Boy, do I miss Brian Jones!!! The stories about Brian are the highlight of Keith's book!!!
Posted 11 years ago by Bozo    [ Reply ]
Their best song
Posted 11 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
The Stones when they were punk!
Posted 11 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Great song. So has anyone read Keith's autobiography? I did. Just wondering what other folks thought of the book.
Posted 12 years ago by snitramc    [ Reply ]
Yes !!!!!
Posted 12 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
One of the best Stones song, IMHO.

Posted 12 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
Never before has this Stones song held more meaning and relevance.  I love it.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
1969 was a fine year for new music and this was just one of them.
Posted 13 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
 danimal3114u wrote:
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? {#Drummer}
Posted 13 years ago by Barman    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
Never been on my Best-Stones-Songs list...
 
Always been on my Best-Stones-Songs list -10

Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
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?

 

The US 'replacement' cover was designed to look like an invitation - to a banquet.
Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 stevebeaver wrote:
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.
Posted 13 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Never been on my Best-Stones-Songs list...
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 stevebeaver wrote:
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).
Posted 13 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
Not a Stones fan (they have been coasting IMHO since 1972) but this rocks.
Posted 13 years ago by stevebeaver    [ Reply ]
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.{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Easily one of my very favorite Stones songs.
Posted 14 years ago by Rick_V    [ Reply ]

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. . .


Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 danimal3114u wrote:
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.

Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
From memory, the streets of Paris were in flames, and those of London weren't too far behind when this monsterous track was released.............
Posted 14 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
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?

Posted 15 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]

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!{#Notworthy}
Posted 15 years ago by redstorm    [ Reply ]
It's all about the bass on this one. 10
Posted 15 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
I think this is a good representation of the genius studio work of the Stones from  this era.
Posted 15 years ago by Peace_tode    [ Reply ]
 toterola wrote:


I was just thinking the same thing! Viva la revolucion!{#War}
 
sign me up,
can't get enough stones 
guess that kinda dates me, oh well
Posted 15 years ago by crazy    [ Reply ]
 a_genuine_find wrote:
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
 

I was just thinking the same thing! Viva la revolucion!{#War}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
The three year old likes this one too. Anything with a beat, I guess.
Posted 16 years ago by lah1975    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
Impressively bad sound quality here. Not kicking the song (its an 8) but the rotten audio needs to be taken out and shot.
Posted 16 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by zubietag    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
What can a po' boy do? 'Cep to sing for a rock-roll band?
Posted 17 years ago by buddy0407    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 17 years ago by danimal3114u    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 18 years ago by fab4fan    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by Cambot    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 18 years ago by fureanbode    [ Reply ]
There's a rage against the machine cover of this song that rocks. It's probably not for everybody though.
Posted 20 years ago by nolands    [ Reply ]
The best RS album in my book...Nobody was ever able to duplicate that sound and nobody ever will
Posted 20 years ago by iggy33    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 20 years ago by tracenik    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 20 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Oh yes! Their Satanic Majesties!
Posted 20 years ago by shevek    [ Reply ]
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! ;)
Posted 20 years ago by Detlaps    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 20 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 20 years ago by Notelrac    [ Reply ]