About the song
Background:
The Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” was released in 1968 during a time of widespread social and political unrest around the world. Events such as the Vietnam War protests, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, and the student riots in Paris all contributed to a sense of global upheaval.
Mick Jagger, the band’s frontman, was directly inspired to write the song after witnessing an anti-war demonstration in London’s Grosvenor Square that turned violent. However, the song’s lyrics speak to a broader sense of frustration with the established order and a desire for change.
Themes:
- Social and political unrest: The song captures the rebellious spirit of the late 1960s, reflecting the widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo and the desire for change.
- Frustration with authority: The lyrics express a sense of frustration with those in power and a longing for a “palace revolution.”
- Power of the people: While the song acknowledges the allure of violence, it ultimately suggests that real change comes from the collective power of the people.
- Ambiguity and interpretation: The song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, allowing listeners to connect with it in their own way. Some see it as a call to arms, while others interpret it as a commentary on the futility of violence.
Overall, “Street Fighting Man” is a powerful and evocative song that captures the spirit of a turbulent era. Its lyrics continue to resonate with those who feel frustrated with the established order and seek a better future.
Video
Lyrics
Ev’rywhere I hear the sound of marching charging feet, boy
‘Cause summer’s here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy
Well now 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 now 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
(Get down)
Hey so my name is called Disturbance
I’ll shout and scream, I’ll kill the king, I’ll rail at all his servants
Well now 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
(Get down)