The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil *DayOne Reacts*

[@jaspermruz5029]

It's about the devil's role in human history. He's taking his bow. And challenging you to acknowledge.

[@mythicsin3083]

And he being us….

[@tekay44]

@@mythicsin3083 he says at the end, "I'll tell ya one time, you're to blame, " great song.

[@chrisclark7170]

More like its about humans blaming the devil for their own evil acts.

[@iainprendergast8311]

There isn’t a devil it’s just humans not taking responsibility for their actions so they blame it on something that doesn’t exist

[@genejpal]

Jasper, Well Said, perfect perspective of noted !

[@christopherlopez8541]

Yes. That was John & Yoko. Yes. It's about war and everything else that Lucifer was associated with. His name is Lucifer. And those are the "Moves Like Jagger". 🤗❤️🥃

[@RichardMorphet]

The song does have a reference to, word- war one in it. When the Czar/king of Russia was assassinated in Europe. Word-war, one began. In other words that's what started the war. The song is about how much humans have in common with Lucifer.

[@DM-dn7rf]

Correction, it was Archduke Franz Ferdinand Carl Ludwig Joseph Maria of Austria whose assassination triggered WWI not the Czar of Russia who died at the hands of the Communists on 17 July 1918 along with his wife and children.

[@danjoda755]

This is a timeline song about Lucifer, or the devil if you prefer, being present at many horrible junctions in history. Understanding the lyrics requires a little knowledge of history, but nothing too subtle. I'd suggest you break the lyrics down and ask any of us anything you don't understand. 🤓 PS there's a version with lyrics up on KZbin that you might enjoy.☮️

[@jdktoo]

lol, do u think u are smarter than her when it comes to "reading" songs? i don't think so..

[@twalrus1]

The first Forrest Gump.

[@danjoda755]

@@jdktoo one of the hallmarks of ignorant people is making idiotic assumptions and embarrassing themselves in public. Congratulations, you succeed on both fronts. Yes I'm better at reading songs than this young reactor, I'm much older and have 60 years of experience as a guitarist behind me. I have a post-college education and several years of editorial experience as an editor of college level and professional text books. So, any time you wanna bite me, pucker up!

[@jdktoo]

@@danjoda755 is that a slogan like make america great again?

[@fredtello]

@@jdktoo Cliche

[@pyregazer9210]

it's about blaming the devil for shit people do, hence sympathy for the devil.

[@LarryZamba]

The answer to your question, "Who is this song about?" is in the title, "Sympathy for the Devil." The character in the song is Satan. The events he describe take place over a long period of time over the 20th century and he helps instigate trouble.

[@markamos1911]

From "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus", filmed in December 1968, but unreleased until October 1996 because the Stones were unhappy with their performance and felt one of their guests, The Who, had blown them off stage. John and Yoko appeared on the show as part of a one-off supergroup, The Dirty Mac, with Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Keith Richards (from the Stones) on bass, and Mitch Mitchell (from the Jimi Hendrix Experience) on drums. Their version of The Beatles "Yer Blues" is worth checking out, as is The Who's version of "A Quick One While He's Away" which saw the film shelved for decades.

[@jamescox9427]

I thought I saw Pete Townsend in the crowd near the end of the video. With your story, now I'm sure of it.

[@jimilemons3437]

This isn’t just about war, it also is about power, assassinations, and man’s inhumanity to man. In the song he is the Devil, but the point is that human beings are capable of awful things and throughout time we’ve looked to blame something beyond ourselves for our worst deeds. Here are some lyrics that clarify that: ‘I watched with glee while your kings and queens fought for ten decades, for the gods they made’ ‘I shouted out “Who killed the Kennedy’s?” When after all, It was you and me’ In other words, have some sympathy for the devil, because we all have some of that in us, and we’re the ones to blame

[@Yotraj]

This is what your Grand Parents were listing to back in the day!

[@mplslawnguy3389]

Finally someone that reviews the right version of this song.

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

Yes it is John and Yoko in the audience, along with Pete Townsend dancing with Keith Moon from the Who. Mick stayed sober for a clearer head and it paid off as this sequence was shot around 3:30 AM and the cameras kept breaking down.

[@Tijuanabill]

The Devil is saying, "Excuse me, but I have committed no crimes; it is you who did these deeds."

[@wirebrushproductions1001]

Umm. There was that line that goes, "just call me Lucifer". That's probably a good place to start.

[@brucevaudrien3373]

The autrocities of man through history from the perspective of the devil.

[@ruby4268]

He's speaking from the view of Lucifer , essentially calling humanity hypocrites and for being stupid. Give'm some sympathy and approach him with some taste, or he'll lay your soul to waste.. One of the best written songs

[@Yotraj]

He's the Devil! And he's recounting horrific events in history were many, many were killed.

[@billdemotte7152]

Angela I found your reaction channel today, and have been loving it Keep up the amazing reactions

[@riko3766]

This show was called "Rock And Roll Circus" and it´s December 1968. John and Yoko are there in the audience but they took the stage as well. Also The Who and Jethro Tull and some real circus acts like clowns. However, The Stones were not too happy bout their own performance they´d not played live for some time. Anyway The Who were absolute fire doing their mini opera A Quick One. DayOne maybe you could check it out some time.

[@shspurs1342]

Love the bass lines in this.

[@hongfang2508]

That was John and Yoko in the audience. You know John and Yoko just by sight? You know more about early rock/pop than I thought initially

[@davidgilbert9335]

This is 1968…it’s called Rock and Roll Circus…John Lennon was there….youncan see hi,m,. And Pete townsmen’s in the video. Keith is playing all the guitar. St9nes just released this. So….this video is over 50 years old

[@michaelkearney2186]

John Lennon sure looked like he was having fun LOL

[@colinglen4505]

I read that Lennon was critical of what he called Jagger's 'fag' dancing. And here he is in the audience doing his best to grab attention away from Jagger with some pretty exaggerated dance moves. I think Lennon was jealous of Jagger's ability to electrify a performance because Lennon was a dull live performer.

[@debbiechang5781]

There was nothing dull about John Lennon! Did you ever watch him perform “Twist and Shout”? Far from boring!

[@ryanhoard3842]

Until he wasn't

[@chuckyoneil2853]

See the guy in audience with glasses John lennon from Beatles

[@chuckyoneil2853]

You spotted them 😆

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Mick was reading a russian book called "the master and margarita". The devil was in it, but it was an anti government book. Written in a way that would not get the author thrown in jail

[@mikajaff]

You right John Lennon n yoko Ono watching this concert

[@marcusfox2443]

the line " i'll tell you one time your to blame. " is the clue.

[@carlcontrera1699]

Essential Rolling Stones: Beggar's Banquet, Let it Bleed, Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main Street

[@thomasshreve750]

I saw the Stones in DC about 3-4 years ago, a few months after Mick's open heart surgery. He was all over the stage and as animated as ever. Not bad for a guy in his mid-70s.

[@youtmeme]

damn! never seen this performance!! 🤯😳 its amazing!!!!!! 😮😯😲😃😃😃😃😃✌✌🤟🤘❤💗❤🤙

[@jeh45345]

I saw them in '94 or maybe '95, in Prague CZ, while in the Army stationed in Germany, a friend knocked on my barracks door and asked me if i wanted to go that night, someone couldn't go and it only cost me $60. When "Sympathy" started, it was memorizing. There was a giant inflatable goat head with lit up eyes that seemed to look directly at you, very memorable.

[@robincraft4682]

I haven't seen this performance clip before.....awesome!! They're still performing, they were in Atlanta just a few weeks ago.

[@tekay44]

John Lennon dancing around is pretty cool.

[@kimberly8858]

The name he wants you to guess is in the title of the song sympathy for the devil. He also says other name he goes by Lucifer the Devil

[@markpetley8566]

The clip is from a show from 1968 called The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.

[@scoobysnacks]

He's the Devil. He's trying to convince you that he's not responsible for all of those atrocities. He's saying that he just happened to be there when all of these atrocities took place, but it's really mankind that's responsible for all of them, not him. And we are just projecting our own evil tendencies onto him as if he's the one to blame for any of it. And because of that he thinks you should have some sympathy for him....And isn't that exactly what the Devil would want to convince you of? Great song! And Mick's got them moves like Jagger doesn't' he?

[@merileopardisaksassa7030]

You can interpret it both ways. Wasn't the devils worst crime seducing Eve to give humanity selfawereness and freedom to think for themselves and therefore the freedom to damn themselves? I believe the literal meaning of the devil being a scapegoat you laid out is the correct meaning, not that we should 'mistrust the devil' for his lies here. Agree to disagree!

[@lavantwooten2581]

One time i wish for the studio version with all the woo woo's.

[@howardbrown911]

This is about evil. War, assassination, unjustice and more, all thrown up as the result of the devil, but in reality it all comes from us and our hatreds and fears and desire for power and wealth. When he says hope you guessed my name, he is saying I bet you blame me and not yourself.

[@bubbaturner7934]

But God gave humans Freewill and humans chose war and hate

[@hollybeat6901]

Jagger just turned 78 today..and he's still doing it

[@tekay44]

He muddled through the line" as heads is tails just call me Lucifer......" he's the devil.

[@blissfields8192]

This song was written after Mick Jagger read 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov-- a fabulous novel about the devil appearing in Moscow.

[@jimfrozen521]

I was in Nam at that time the song keep alot of sane

[@gabrieldacruz3150]

Definitely this version doesn't even compete to the studio version which is fantastic

[@Robert-n9h1z]

Mick was inspired by Mikhail Bulgakov's novel 'The Master And The Margarita', as well as The French poet Charles Baudelaire... Les Fleurs du mal (1857; The Flowers of Evil).

[@jenniferjacobs228]

I was a teenager in the 60's and my parents were aghast at this evil music..hahahaha....Of course we adored the stones and Mick Jagger is was and still is, a legend.

[@edchaput3577]

His name is Lucifer, or the devil... This song is about the struggle of good vs evil. He lists many atrocities committed by man that the devil is given credit for. In reality we the people are truly responsible, People can be good or evil. He states "I was there when Jesus Christ had his moments of doubt and pain. We are all capable of evil, yet we all blame the devil. Hence Sympathy for the devil.

[@aardvarkmcgillicuddy]

I don't know how you can sit still through all this.

[@leifwright1255]

Yes, the Beatles were huge Rolling Stones fans, and vice-versa

[@henrychristophe9026]

He said it his name is Lucifer=devil. It's about the devil in all his form, but also about us as human and how we like to blame the devil when we are just as much responsible for the atrocities happening in our world ❗

[@Afontanez1962]

The change in facial expression six seconds after 1:36 when the devil says that he made damn sure that Pilate sealed Jesus' fate. It was like "What the F*** am I watching?" And then again when Mick says "killed the Tsar and his ministers". That is a true reaction.

[@Kennthpassanisi8139]

It's a form of satanic worship. Worshipping Lucifer. I remember when I first heard this song on the am radio station in the 1960's. I wasn't sure what to think until I learned about secret societies that worship him. Even the Vatican church worships Lucifer in the Latin Easter mass every year

[@cerhart7172]

It's right in the title: "Sympathy for the Devil" - Lucifer Morningstar, Son of Morning, the Great Allegorical Adversary. The 'Stones *were* the bad boys of rock & roll, after all. ^_^

[@ScottWinters-we9jp]

It is the devil, Angel. I read somewhere that Mick and the band was letting this intertest become a little too much than they should of. Then a eye opener and a change in there interests happened in an upcomimg concert where the hells angels where hired as body gaurds and a violent death occurs as a result. Sad but thats the devil who is here and in some of us.

[@armadillotoe]

They used to say Mick Jagger was like a rooster on acid.

[@jacobjones5269]

I watched with glee while your kings and queens fought for ten decades… For the Gods they made..

[@jamielandis4308]

My favorite Stones song.

[@MrCantCallit]

John Lennon jamming out to the Stones. Legendary moment

[@johnnylastovica6511]

Saw them twice in Dallas , once in Houston (ZZ Top ) Mick never stopped RUNNING all over the place , wish I’d seen em more

[@hmohns7035]

Hehe OMG people it's about the Devil :) Hehe it's literally in the title of the song :) Peace and Love from Canada eh:) sorry :)

[@brianjokela766]

True this generation don't get it or feel it even if spelled out right in front of them.I was eight years old this song on the radio I knew exactly who the song was talking about.lol

[@arautus]

Brown Sugar is a really cool Stones' song. Short and sweet!

[@frikster5542]

The lyrics were inspired by The Master and Margarita, a book by Mikhail Bulgakov. British singer Marianne Faithfull was Mick Jagger's girlfriend at the time and she gave him the book. Faithfull came from an upper-class background and exposed Jagger to a lot of new ideas. In the book, the devil is a sophisticated socialite, a "man of wealth and taste.".....Jagger claims this is about the dark side of man, not a celebration of Satanism.

[@frikster5176]

He;s the Devil....His name is LUCIFER ...He's been there through out History ,He is saying dont blame him for everything HE wants some Sympathy

[@bubbaturner7934]

Especially When God gave humans Freewill

[@sbgsbg9994]

This is from a performance called the rock’n’roll circus. Lennon and Ono, yes, but Pete Townsend is also there. This entire show is something to see.

[@dennytaylor1005]

It's always kind of cool seeing people realize that John Lennon and Yoko Ono are there. In your reaction video John Lennon first shows up at the 6:35 mark. Angela you noticed him the 2nd times he shows up at around 10:02. Now what is REALLY cool is that there's another famous person in the audience ... if you noticed that at about 10:16 they close in on Keith Moon.

[@jdbuscemi8181]

The stones put on a great concert you should check out the bridges of Babylon tour! One of the best concerts I ever went to

[@sergiorenatojornalista4617]

The percussion was inspired in santeria rituals, and one of then they saw in a beach here in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[@paladin5163]

He is Lucifer. The clues in the title.

[@christopher2399]

The world's greatest rock band ever!

[@problemchimp4231]

An imaginary Devil taking the piss out of us blaming him...brilliant song.

[@dennislockhart7678]

This is from The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus filmed in 1968 but not released for about forty years because Jagger didn't think they looked good enough compared to The Who...check out A Quick One While He's Away by the The Who on this film to be blown away.

[@davidwhite3181]

I believe this song is about the duality of humankind. If we praise our good/positive qualities, then we should have sympathy for our not so good qualities.

[@richsoliah6998]

What's puzzling you is the nature of his game ! Guess again !

[@markeuringer8106]

Nope it’s lucifer. And he implies that humans are at fault for all they did wrong and they blame lucifer we for it

[@bobdusseault9059]

I think Rolling Stones have a song in every mafia mob movies

[@benighted09]

The Stones are a BLUES band. A damn good one.

[@andrewbrennan7291]

All the misery in the world is mostly caused by mankind .... but the devil gets blamed. Gotta have sympathy for the demon.

[@howardemerich314]

You should be listening to the studio versions of these songs. They are usually better.

[@jockeyladjockeylad8492]

I take two things away from this - the Sympathy for the Devil bit is don't judge a thing for it's nature, it's true self - the Dog chases the Rabbit to kill & eat it because that's it's nature, it's what a Dog does, it can't help itself. The other is don't blame the Devil for your actions - they are yours & yours alone - I watched with glee While your kings and queens Fought for ten decades For the gods they made I shouted out Who killed the Kennedys? When after all It was you and me Don't blame the Devil for your stuff - he's just cheering from the sidelines.

[@garypowell6190]

Or so he wants us to believe.

[@Steve-vl5mg]

Satan, Lucifer, and many other names including the Devil

[@larindanomikos]

Here's a clue, song's called Sympathy for the DEVIL.

[@AliasMark69]

Damn Girl, you are hitting some of the best tunes ever created. I watch dozens of "Reaction" videos... YOU are becoming my Favorite. Waiting to see you blow your mind with....1,524,964 views so far. YOU will like it too 4 black brothers with a white drummer created this ICONIC Masterpiece from the 60’s Psychedelic Era Trust me…. You do not want your life to end without hearing this song. “TIME HAS COME TODAY“- The Chambers Brothers - Album Long version, then Live.

[@franklopez2803]

The devil is the human’s excuse.

[@backbaconnbeer]

This song is political and comes from their most political album Beggar's Banquet . Other political songs on the album include Salt Of The Earth and Street Fighting Man

[@PaulB-w1o]

"My name in Lucifer and I'm in need some restraint"

[@thomasgriffiths6758]

As far as I know the last time they played this song Live was at Altamont where Hells Angels were security guards and they killed people in the crowd.

[@aardvarkmcgillicuddy]

Actually, they were playing under my thumb when that bhappened.

[@normanrose2711]

studio version please. I know it seems better if people have something to watch ( a video ) other than an album cover ( studio version ) but we dont mind. Besides we can spend more time looking at you.

[@williamcabell142]

You’re one of those studio morons! You people make me weak...you lol know shit! Good Gravy! 🤨

[@bpark3726]

I agree for this song. It’s a little clearer and would help clarify the story.

[@roberttaylor5997]

@@bpark3726 Aside from that the guitar part is very different (and better, IMO) in the studio version.

[@Mottleydude1]

Except that KZbin probably would have taken the Studio version down for copyright reasons where as a Live Version falls under the fair use category and this is an excellent live version. She got to see what Mick was all about.

[@dennismclark14]

My friends all call me Lucifer. That line right there tells who the song is about.

[@senseichess8688]

The sing was written by Jagger .according to Watts to the beat of a Russian samba type rhythm....it suggests that the devil was behind all the great tragic events in the history of mankind

[@ericanderson8886]

Like the song says "Just call me Lucifer"

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

The Stones could always bring it live. Sublime, even if it is about you know who.

[@michaelwillis5319]

"Just call me Lucifer."

[@keymack2477]

Thank you for your reaction, DayOne! The Stones had many classic songs! For a different side of them please react to Ruby Tuesday, Angie, Wild Horses or She's A Rainbow! Best regards to you - keep up the great work with your reactions!

[@christophernichols1379]

Tina Turner inspired Mick Jagger's Stage persona, and as the song stated "Just call me Lucifer" it's about "Sympathy for the Devil".

[@lanagorgeous9485]

His name is Lucifer AKA The Devil, and how in reality the devil might be people, he talked about war, but also assassination/murder of John F Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy, he talked about tempting Jesus, he talked about the murder of the czars in Russian, it's a lot of of heavy stuff in this song. You should listen to it with the lyrics.

[@ozarkmtnites]

Pete Townsend of the Who was also there. Several other musicians as well. Song was about Satan and the dark side of humanity.

[@bintheredonethat]

Not just about war. Lucifer, Satan, complaining about being blamed, exclusively, for any evil acts, when man, who has free will, had a hand in it as well. He can set a path, one of many, but it's up to you which one you take. So, the old canard, "the Devil made me do it", doesn't hold all the water.

[@stephenrennie3455]

someone on here who get's it, nicely put too

[@bintheredonethat]

@@stephenrennie3455 Thank You. Actually worked with these guys numerous times as well. Did this one in Tempe, Arizona, 1981. Their production manager gave me several bottles of champagne after we had it set up. Ran me raged, but nice guys. ;0) kzbin.info/www/bejne/paTYg6aea8qfhqM

[@ruby4268]

History class brought from the perspective of Lucifer...

[@bpark3726]

I would def recommend the lyric video for this song. It really helps keep track of the story it tells!

[@TheCornishCockney]

Clue is in the title…..he’s the devil and he’s been around forever. He has many names,lucifer,beelzebub etc,that’s why he’s asking,he influenced major events through history……or did he?

[@renehouse2015]

5:33 "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 restraint" His name is Lucifer and he's asking for your sympathy.

[@Trucker231610]

I think his name would be DEVIL 😈 Also I think you should listen to the Studio version, this was good for the visuals but the Stuido Version sounds alot better.

[@michaeldavid6284]

Mick at his most theatrical. Might be the band's best live performance.

[@BruceStanton-pb7wt]

This song is about actual history. It's from Lucifer's point of view