About the song
“Under My Thumb” by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966, is a controversial and complex song with multiple interpretations.
Background:
- Aftermath Album: Featured on the album “Aftermath,” known for its departure from the band’s blues roots and experimentation with different instruments and sounds.
- Brian Jones’ Contribution: Notably includes a marimba played by Brian Jones, adding a unique texture to the song.
- Misogynistic Interpretation: Often criticized for its lyrics, which some view as misogynistic and objectifying women.
Themes:
- Power Dynamics: The central theme revolves around a shift in power dynamics within a relationship. The narrator, once controlled by a woman, now has the upper hand, reversing the roles.
- Control and Dominance: The lyrics express a sense of satisfaction and control over the woman, highlighting the narrator’s newfound dominance.
- Objectification of Women: The song uses animalistic imagery (“squirmin’ dog,” “Siamese cat”) to describe the woman, raising concerns about the objectification and dehumanization of women.
- Ambiguity and Interpretation: The song’s meaning has been debated, with some arguing it’s a tongue-in-cheek satire of male chauvinism, while others see it as a straightforward expression of misogyny.
Additional Points:
- Social Context: Released during a time of changing gender roles and the rise of feminism, the song reflects the complex and evolving attitudes towards relationships and power dynamics.
- Legacy and Controversy: “Under My Thumb” remains a controversial song, sparking discussions about its interpretation and its place in the broader context of the Rolling Stones’ music and the cultural landscape of the 1960s.
It’s important to note that interpretations of the song vary, and discussions about its meaning continue to this day. Regardless of one’s personal views, “Under My Thumb” remains a significant and thought-provoking piece of music history.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Under my thumb
The girl who once had me down
Under my thumb
The girl who once pushed me around
[Chorus]
It’s down to me
The difference in the clothes she wears
Down to me, the change has come
She’s under my thumb
Ain’t it the truth, babe?
[Verse 2]
Under my thumb
Is a squirming dog who’s just had her day
Under my thumb
A girl who has just changed her ways
[Chorus]
It’s down to me, yes it is
The way she does just what she’s told
Down to me, the change has come
She’s under my thumb
Ah, ah, say it’s alright
[Verse 3]
Under my thumb
Is a Siamese cat of a girl
Under my thumb
She’s the sweetest pet in the world
[Chorus]
It’s down to me
The way she talks when she’s spoken to
Down to me, the change has come
She’s under my thumb
[Instrumental Break]
Ah, take it easy babe
Yeah
[Chorus]
It’s down to me, oh yeah
The way she talks when she’s spoken to
Down to me, the change has come
She’s under my thumb
Yeah, it feels alright
[Verse 4]
Under my thumb
Her eyes are just kept to herself
Under my thumb
Well I, I can still look at someone else
[Chorus]
It’s down to me, oh that’s what I said
The way she talks when she’s spoken to
Down to me, the change has come
She’s under my thumb
[Outro]
Say, it’s alright
Say it’s all…
Say it’s all…
Take it easy babe
Take it easy babe
It feels alright
Take it, take it easy, babe