WOW! The Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil REACTION/REVIEW

[@april6058]

These are deep lyrics- it the history of the terrible things “ man” has done for power and greed. “ And the Devil smiled in glee” Love this song!

[@bartstarr100]

...as we blamed the devil and fought for man-made gods.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

@@bartstarr100 On the money.

[@flightlessbird1892]

I see that I’m a yr late, but I’m a new sub. It’s about how the devil can’t make u do anything, all he can do is tempt u . He’s saying we’re giving him to much credit throughout history & we’ll continue to

[@Boatzilla2]

Dude, The Stones were educated. Who else could reference the Crusades, WWII and Czarist Russia in one song! These lyrics are fire. We like the way you pay attention to the lyrics. Keep doing it, Biz. Great reaction.

[@watchbizmatik]

Thanks fam

[@wwekidder123]

Europeans they know all the history lol they also speak multiple languages their countries are close together like our states

[@brittanygarrison8030]

@@wwekidder123 Yeah I was about to say, even the stupidest amongst us are well versed in our history prior to secondary school.

[@tidentrue]

Steve Harris has entered the chat

[@Boatzilla2]

@@tidentrue Stranger things have happened. ;>)

[@sonnywolfblues]

Imagine coming out with a song like this in 1968 singing about the devil and narrating it though his character...it shocked and offended quite a few people back in those conservative times.The Stones were the rebels of that era and were challenging the norms of society with their long hair and wild image and this type of music.The song 'brown sugar' is also sung through a character...not that they are condoning the actions but telling the tale through a song just like watching a movie.Their song 'midnight rambler' is another one sung through the character of a serial killer who r*pes and kills his victim in the song...pretty nasty stuff.The Stones songwriting sometimes goes into the twisted character they are portraying...this one is the devil.They played a great live version of this in 1968 on the Rock n Roll circus show which I recommend you check out especially when Jagger takes off his shirt and has a huge tattoo of the devil on his chest(temporary tattoo)....can you imagine how that would shock people in 1968!!

[@bibakroll8999]

The sixties were NOT conservative times. Not in the UK anyway. I realise it was/is different in the US.

[@michellewheatley2007]

@@bibakroll8999 Not in the US. Either. Flower children. Charles Mansion cult, serial killers roaming the interstates. The assassination of President Kennedy, the assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald. Americans spitting on an screaming at American servicemen who came home expecting respect but being called baby killers. I was born the year this song came out. Almost a year after this song came out Woodstock came out . Look up Country Joe and the Fish. You will see how America felt. Much the same as it does today. You are looking for the Vietnam Song at Woodstock in 1969

[@ktrsBklyn]

Great, insightful reaction. You're damn right - these lyrics are very intentional and meaningful, a comment on society and humanity. I've heard this song probably 100s of times, and it never gets old.

[@aviatom1]

This is nothing short of a masterpiece

[@timl.1184]

One of the best rolling Stones songs ever. It's my favorite of theirs a hands down.

[@jodigoecke1294]

This song has been in tons of movies. I love that it makes you look at history a little differently. It also takes an interesting view of how we can't just blame the devil for it all. We as men have to realize that we have had a hand in all the carnage as well. I love this song for its intelligent lyrics. I'm very interested in the book you mentioned, "Outwitting the Devil". Thank you for the mention.

[@gernblanston5697]

If you're interested in literature on these themes, the song was inspired by The Devil and Margarita, a novel by Mikhail Bulgakov written in the 1930s but not published until the late 1960s due to being suppressed by the Soviet Union. It's well worth a read.

[@catlee3730]

I know it as "The Master and Margarita". I've recommended it to many over the years. Definitely worth a read!

[@watchbizmatik]

I will read it, thank you 🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@ladyshar42]

Its got a giant talking cat, what more can you ask for? Great read.

[@nancymjohnson]

Musicians and writers may be crazy, but they are definitely not stupid. They are of a different breed. Artists are not your average Joe. Everyone excels at something, just different things.

[@keysersoze9025]

"The greatest trick The Devil ever pulled was convincing the world that he doesn't exist."

[@ivansavoie3190]

And that he is red with horns and a tail

[@reallymysterious4520]

Kaiser Soze

[@somersetcace1]

I'd say the greatest trick humans ever pulled was blaming their evil on a devil. All of the horrible things humans have done have needed no magical entity to prompt.

[@heliotropezzz333]

@@somersetcace1 About time the human race grew up and took responsibility.

[@reality1958]

And thank goodness it’s a myth!

[@derekshirley5543]

Singing about the devil is a tradition that goes back to Robert Johnson. The Mississippi delta blues guy from the 1920’s. And he was The Rolling Stones biggest influence they covered several of his songs. Johnson is an American legend. Sold his soul at the crossroads of highway 49 and 61 in north Mississippi. Couldn’t play guitar at all he use to try and play when blues guys were on set breaks and he would get booed off stage. Then he shows back up after the crossroads and he can play rhythm, bass, and lead guitar all at the same time. Like no one else. Robert Johnson died at age 27. Most likely poisoned by a jealous husband. Look up two of his songs with lyrics Stop Breaking Down Blues and Me and the Devil Blues. The Rolling Stones did a cover of Stop breaking down and love in vain. Both Johnson songs.

[@KillerNetDog]

That keyboard was just going full ham in the background for that long ass outro.. The question I've always had about this song is with all the historical event references I have never been able to figure out what event the troubadour line is referencing..

[@carolevans5285]

My dad loved the stones , ❤️ he used to play them all the time. I love them 💗 💓 ♥️

[@realityfuze42]

This song is one of my favourite 2 o3 Stones tunes - especially live. I was fortunate to see the Stones live in 2005 with 85,000 people at an outdoor show. When they start this song, and get the whole group chanting "woo woo" through the entire tune, it is absolutely primal. I have always loved the bass line and the piano on this - just perfect.

[@kslit99]

Agree..many of these older English rockers had a formal education ....lot of refs in this song are only understandable to those with a historical knowledge.

[@powellcappel4692]

I can’t stop watching…….these are great videos you’re making, BizMatik. It’s like seeing these old classics through a modern lens.

[@watchbizmatik]

Thanks fam

[@rakitoon]

Man, I watch you as much as I do BECAUSE you pay the lyrics the necessary attention. I'm with you.

[@jenniferandrews1917]

Many people compare the Stones to the Beatles but it seems obvious to me that the Stones have their own sound which is nothing like the Beatles. This is one of my favorite Stones’ songs. You already did Brown Sugar, my other favorite.

[@carolevans5285]

They were nothing like the beetles . My dad loved the stones , I grow up listening to there music. He never ever had a Beetels record. I found out about the Beetles by accident in a library of all places. Altho my dad didn't mind John Lennon solo. He played a lot of his stuff but never a Beetles tune.

[@margaretflounders8510]

@@carolevans5285 Have you heard Paul MacCartney's "Live and Let Die"...from the James Bond film?..If not you may like the Guns and Roses version

[@victorduffany7723]

"I'll tell you one time... you're to blame!" This single (and never repeated) line near the end of the song explains the devil's game. Without hatred, greed, and quests for power, there would be no 'devil.' But we all have a bit of the devil in us. "The devil made me do it" is simply deflecting our human hateful, destructive, callous, and careless actions on a nonexistent entity. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZjRdJ-orZ2BaM0

[@missbelled6700]

And similarly, "Thou Art God", as Heinlein wrote (maybe not the best source but for all the odd things in that book, he had that part right). End of the day, it's up to us to act and live with the consequences. Shifting the responsibility does nothing but enable the worst behaviors to go overlooked until it's too late!

[@missbelled6700]

DAMN you called the meaning in your intro! You said you're playin' but it's a real message!

[@watchbizmatik]

🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@axiomist4488]

The basic premise of this song is that all the terrible things that have happened in history were the Devil's doing, but with our assistance. We, by not eschewing to do things we know inside us to be evil, make possible the plans and dreams of the Devil. Like in the line "We shouted out, who killed the Kennedys, when after all, it was YOU and ME" .

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

Yes!!.

[@barbaracollins385]

You should watch the video of a live performance of this. The whole stage turned red and then bursts into flames. You will love it!

[@Richarddraper]

I think you nailed it at the start. All the evil listed, it's all us. Humankind has done terrible things and continues to and the devil isn't to blame. Fantastic lyrics referencing the Russian revolution, the blitzkrieg in WW2, possibly the hundred years war or possibly the various European religious wars from the mid 1500s to the mid 1600s, the Kennedy murders and the Thugee Cult in India. All while giving the devils perspective on history. Very deep stuff.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

Well that's one interpretation. However, keeping in mind that Lucifer is the sole creation of Christianity, it completely ignores the Christian malevolence that personifies Lucifer. In every case the devil was there unconstraining the evil in man. In Christian theology (unlike progressive theology) man is horribly flawed and must constrain his selfish desires, and follow the path laid down by Christ of love and forgiveness. Lucifer OTOH is about being unconstrained to pursue earthly pleasures, such as selfishness and power. So what confuses you is the nature of his game. Just like in the Garden of Eden, Lucifer told Eve you do not need to be constrained by God's dictates, you can eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge and become as unconstrained as God himself. Lucifer was the bearer of moral relativism, that there is no real evil in the world so as Nietzsche postulated if God is dead, man must create his own morality, which is again pretty much Lucifer's message that you don't need God.

[@davidwilkins5932]

Great reactions! Just listened to this one, and Santana’s Soul Sacrifice. And now I’m a subscriber.

[@watchbizmatik]

Thanks for the sub

[@blueyzblue6391]

Top 5 Stones songs, in no particular order. Sympathy for the Devil, Miss You, Gimme Shelter, Wild Horses, and Tumbling Dice ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@NoLegalPlunder]

There’s an older movie called the Jericho Mile where a guy is in prison and “escapes” by running around a track all day. He breaks a record while this song is playing. It’s an awesome movie.

[@thrillcity]

Yeah you nailed this one,Biz! I also, am one who is into the lyrics of any song ! if the lyrics are no good or don't stimulate me, then no matter how good the music is, I'll probably never listen the song again ! ( And a old band mate of mine was the complete opposite ! As long as the music was good, he didn't care about the lyrics ! Probably why we "gelled" as a band lol) . And it's crazy you mentioned that book, cause the audio version is qued up for whenever I dive into my next book ! But since you brought it up, I look even more forward to it ! Also, seen the Stones mid 90s at the astrodome, and when they played this song...they made the whole dome seem like it was on fire, then Mick slowly rose up from under the stage dressed like a voodoo priest ! Yes I admit I was on a "substance",, but the substance REALLY enjoyed the song and the visual LOL ! Keep rocking bro, you've been on a roll and slaughtering the other react channels ! 😎

[@ronyrontana9735]

Just a great song. Bass, percussions, piano, guitar, the woo woo's. It's all top level. Then the lyrics. Icing on the cake.

[@cuales1955]

El tema que más me gusta de los Stones !!! Desde Buenos Aires, Argentina, saludos !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikewarker4445]

What’s great about music is how it brings people together. I’m a 69 yr old white guy, your I’m guessing a 30 ish black man. And I feel simpatico with how you look at things. You know why? Cause we re just 2 men that’s it. Much respect Biz

[@watchbizmatik]

🙌🏿🙌🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@robertprice6830]

I'm 64. White, I feel the same way. It would be a blast to go visit the Biz and just get lost in the classical oldies. Talk, jam. Dinner, libation . Laugh like hell. Tell him the stories of OUR back in the day.

[@mikewarker4445]

@@robertprice6830 I’m all for it have Biz give me a call

[@robertprice6830]

@@mikewarker4445 if only. I think he is in Atlanta. I'm in Mn. Too old for that road trip party.

[@cmiles97x38]

Great reaction. You actually guessed in the first moments of your video. The stones were saying that man blames the devil for atrocities yet it is us doing it.

[@ginasavonell7007]

Ohhh, one of my favorites! 💜💜💜 amazing song!

[@danaberman6929]

I like the fact you can break down the lyrics and explain what you are thinking.

[@alienlife7754]

He is a polite fellow, but he will lay your soul to waste.

[@AnthonyL0401]

No! You are looking into the lyrics in a perfect way! I am impressed and keep coming back because you care about the lyrics

[@tinagilbert8902]

K so, I am DAYS late to this one! UGH!!🤦‍♀ Believe me, it's SUPER frustrating to me.... I HATE not being able to get to your reactions the second you upload them.... they're freaking priceless!!💯 Your appreciation for the music alone is great but add on top of that.... your commentary is beyond priceless!!🙃 Always fun, funny and or jaw-dropping (in all the best ways! lol!!🤗) but also.... your perception and interpretations are very interesting and I appreciate that part the most.🤗 I have so much to say on your commentary in this one, POINT BY POINT and I could go on for days but I'll spare y'all that! lol!!😜 All I say is I LOVED your reaction!!!!🥰 LOVE that you really got this one!! Beyond the greatness of their music and Mick's killer vocals and uniqueness.... these guys are super intelligent and SO IS THIS SONG!!!👊 So sad to me that the commentary on the state of the human race and the scourge of selfishness hate and greed in this song is STILL spot on 50+ YEARS after it was written!!😞 People will never learn and apparently the greedy, selfish, hateful scourge that plagues us will continue forever!! UGH!! Alright, I'm done with that ish! lol!!!😅🤣😂 LOVED this reaction!!!! Keep going with the Stones... you won't be disappointed!! You rock Biz!!!😎❤Peace and light to all....✌💞

[@watchbizmatik]

Thanks and I will def keep going with the stones... I really likw this band except for one song but its all good

[@tinagilbert8902]

@@watchbizmatik 🤣😂🤣 It's ok... every band has that "one" song!! Even my beloved Pearl Jam has one I can't stand. It's called "F Me in the Brain"!!!🤷‍♀️ It's AWFUL but I still love them!!!😜😁

[@blackstarboys4719]

What was there beyond Bombay. A library, a different way of seeing life. Alexandra’s journey was eye opening for the new world brother

[@glenmaylone6333]

One of my faves from the stones. Deep lyrics, and such a groove. Fought for 10 decades is a reference to the 100 years war in Europe. Laid traps for troubadors, reference to the wars fought in India when Britain controlled them. Yes Biz a lot of thought went into this one. Keep reading into the tunes. It is what sets your channel apart.

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Thank you bro. You nailed this reaction

[@hongfang2508]

Even though I'm not a huge Stones fan, they were a top 3 rock group along with Zeppelin and The Who. That said, this is a favorite song of mine, definitely one of my favorite Stones songs.

[@annabanana7071]

I really like how you dissect the lyrics and discover the true meaning of these songs, keep it up 👍

[@watchbizmatik]

Thanks

[@ABCpdc]

I believe the movie you are thinking of is “Fallen” with Denzel Washington. I think it starts and ends with “Sympathy for the Devil.”

[@barr790]

That is a great film!

[@amylou2395]

“Time is on my side” is the song the “demon” sings in the movie as he passes from person to person- great film!!

[@watchbizmatik]

Yes thats probably it, I havent seen that movie in awhile so im not sure

[@ElissaStark514]

Such brilliant lyrics. I was always like, "no, I'm just a Beatles girl," but even the Beatles were fans lol there is NOTHING LIKE THIS ANYWHERE. I need some recommendations.

[@willie6466]

So great to hear you say you piece on this one, it's one of the best interpretations I've heard. This song is incredibly powerful lyrically and Keith just gets so stanky on it. To me it's one of the dopest jams they ever made but there are so many others to choose from so I'm so psyched to watch you do some more from them.

[@michaelbaucom4019]

still their best song, all these years later, still fresh musically, still relevant lyrically

[@hog7203]

One thing I've always loved about the Stones is how versatile their sound and songs are. This sounds nothing like Jumping Jack Flash or Beast of Burden but it's still badass. And still sounds like the Rolling Stones. I always loved their tune Daddy Your A Fool to Cry. Has a nice R&b feel. And Monkey Man. It's nice and funky. They'd be a good one to do an album reaction to. Figuring out which album would be a hard choice. I'd probably choose Let it Bleed.

[@Kopland69]

Great song, great review!!

[@rebeccastewart7273]

It's ok to read deep into the lyrics never stop!☮️

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

💯

[@richlisola1]

You’re doing it exactly right. The lyrics mean everything

[@dorathocker4575]

Aw man, sometimes your insight makes my heart explode in the best way! I agree with you regarding lyrics and their impact. That's why I love when you pull out your "handy dandy" lyrics.😉 I believe most artists understand they're sending out a msg to the multitudes. It's a pretty clever way to get people to listen, even subconsciously.

[@watchbizmatik]

🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@Scatherfirst]

LPs were the Internet of the 60s & 70s. People bought LPs and listened to them over and over, debated their fave bands with friends, and went to concerts when they could. Sometimes the LPs provided lyrics, sometimes they didn't. Jagger, because of his bluesy phrasing/pronunciation was often misinterpreted and people argued about what he actually said. I remember I had the lyrics for Jumpin Jack Flash about 50% wrong for years. By the way the great English piano session man Nicky Hopkins shines on this track. Hopkins recorded with the Stones (She's a Rainbow) Beatles, Who (Baba O'Riley) and many others and played in Quicksilver Messenger Service.

[@doriwiljt]

My favorite version of this is from the live album called Get Yer Ya Yas Out. One of the greatest live albums ever.

[@margaretflounders8510]

Yours was a great thought!....Very profound....

[@michellewheatley2007]

History in a Rock n Roll song. One of my favorite Stones song. This song was recorded in 1967, it seems familiar because it was part of the ending of Interview with A Vampire.

[@brandothecatmeow]

This song was at the end of Interview with the Vampire with Tom Cruise. Scorsese has used a lot of Stones songs in his movies. The Stones were all educated men and they are prolific lyricists. Especially during the time this came out.

[@Matt..G]

I respect your view or anyone’s view about how important the lyrics can be in songs. I think this is true but for me it’s mostly about the melody and groove that I enjoy. If I dig the lyrics then that’s a bonus.

[@paulprendergast3184]

Check out their Rock and Roll Circus video. Songs from the Stones Beggars Banquet album, like this one, Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal, the Who and John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Mitch Mitchell aka Dirty Mac.

[@bessc8558]

Lyrics are everything.

[@isabelsilva62023]

You actually listen to the lyrics, love that! Timeless, not very likely human nature will ever change.

[@Neonbob]

Song was played in the movie Interview with a vampire.

[@custardflan]

You need to iisten to the Get Yer Ya Yas Out live version. Two of the greatest guitar solos ever in one song and the drummer and bass player kicking it.

[@tinypurplefishesrunlaughin8052]

This Rock n roll circus performance by The Rolling Stones was written about by Don McLean in “American Pie” my hands were clenched in fists of rage” next verses describe Micks hypnotizing stage presence. Satan laughing with delight the day the music died (in this verse meaning breakup of the Beatles “the Quartet” John and Mick laughing at the news while Don was rightfully sad.

[@karenmandeville7116]

so many musicians actually have advanced degrees. and i think your take on the lyrics is pretty spot on!

[@alrivers2297]

Your first statement was right on the money, Biz. Absolute classic song! Try Paint it Black or Mother's Little Helper next

[@kengunter6903]

Great pick biz.

[@Boatzilla2]

One of the best parts of being at a Stones concert is joining 40,000 people for the "Woo-woos" in this song.

[@barryroberts6796]

Biz thank you for rocking out on songs

[@barryroberts6796]

We didn't have the lyrics at are finger tips like now..back in the day we just brunt one and sang are own lyrics or what we thought they said.. ✌️

[@dannytapp7259]

A song they don't like to play live , Mick explained that once before playing it ,they had hired the hell's angels as security and during it they stabbed 4 people

[@blueyzblue6391]

Yep...that was their Altamont free concert in 1969...where 4 people were killed.

[@deborahbarchard5957]

Never could drive slowly when this came on my car radio.

[@javavoicecafe6968]

100% with you on the power of lyrics. 🌻

[@kristahartmann1628]

Enjoy your remarks. 'Exile on Mainstreet' considered the Stone's masterpiece..."Loving Cup" is exceptional & shows the vast range from earlier great recordings. "Honky Tonk Women" from the 70's is still the best elemental Rock n Roll song ever. Singing it in a bar or just awareness of its famous opening guitar riff & clangy garage band rhythm is like sinking into a big comfortable pleasure memory...with sex appeal.

[@todd8414]

We make our own decisions and consequences. God gives us free will!

[@Frank-jf2jm]

Yo biz. You in for anotha great lyrical story. The stones. Yes sir. I’m sure you’ll dig it 😎let check out you’re reaction now.

[@BruceStanton-pb7wt]

You're an interesting man. You understand why understanding lyrics makes for good thoughts. Most lines in this song are history.

[@stevewalsh4850]

Imagine the shock and joy we all had when this dropped 54 years ago 😎

[@cs-7]

Listen to the live version as well. Sympathy for the devil live from Get Yer Ya Ya's Out.

[@nostalga44jo]

The Rolling Stones "Undercover of the Night" Official video

[@deltondavis1100]

Lyrics are powerful that’s why they have shut down the music industry and free thought

[@richlisola1]

Held a General’s rank when the Blitzkrieg raged and the bodies stank is a reference to World War Two combat and war crimes

[@dwanpyrtle3134]

This song is a history lesson.

[@MrUndersolo]

Interesting fact: the line "Who killed the Kennedys?" was originally "Who killed John Kennedy?" And then Robert was shot that year, so Mick changed the line.

[@susanlindner8626]

Love their song Wild Horses

[@22lulublu]

You are so right about people that don't know the lyrics or don't care to listen to them. They're being neglectful of their minds, so they shouldn't be surprised when that brainwashed to a BackBeat. I can't say I have never been guilty of just missing the lyrics. But thanks for bringing it to mind.

[@dennismayo4307]

Favorite sing a long. Woo Woo...RockOn...

[@jameshanson3759]

The 1998 Saint Louis Concert is in my opinion one of the best live versions of this song. Look it up and turn it up real loud !!

[@keeponrollin7922]

When mick was writing this song,he said who killed Kennedy,but during recording Bobby was assassinated,so he said who killed the kennedys..

[@daniellittle830]

The moment of doubt and pain is when he's hanging on the cross and ask God why have you forsaken me

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Those keith Richards licks are fire

[@danelawman2516]

Luv it!

[@michellewheatley2007]

It was actually at the end of Interview with the Vampire

[@andrewmoss3681]

Please correct me if I am wrong here. But isn't a fair bit of the point of a reaction channel so you can react to them & give us your interpretations of the lyrics? Plus I love that you actually go on those dives in to what you're thinking & feeling. Much love from the UK & glad to be a new squad member

[@J_Gamble]

👍👍👍👍👍 Great reaction to a great song. Lyrics are powerful people have died for them.

[@watchbizmatik]

🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@wwekidder123]

I was hoping you would have done the version with the lyrics floating across the screen it feels more interactive for whatever reason

[@johnvasilopoulos1503]

Yr spot on young man 👍

[@joetspaulding]

had a dream I met the devil..and woke up to this song playing (I sleep with music on sometimes). lol...

[@watchbizmatik]

Lmao what did he say

[@joetspaulding]

@@watchbizmatik He said he was pleased to meet me 😄

[@wwekidder123]

It's basically a history lesson so to speak

[@SmartK8]

I just flew from New York to California. I've made sure the pilot washed his hands.

[@marksiracusa6114]

Yup ! You got! “ the devil made me do it”. Bullshit. The conceit that we we blame Satan for our evil toward one another has always been a down fall of mankind. Will we ever take responsibility??

[@timl.1184]

Rolling Stones have so many songs and such a big catalog that some songs I don't like and a lot I do. I do like the lyrics I do read the lyrics. You can be listening to the happiest tune and then you listen to the lyrics and realize it's has a very deep and dark meaning.