About the Song
Background
- Classic Rock Gem: “Beast of Burden” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved hits. It was released on the 1978 album Some Girls, considered a major comeback for the band.
- Collaboration: The song is primarily a Keith Richards creation, with significant lyrical input from Mick Jagger.
Themes
- Relationships and Responsibility: The lyrics explore a complex relationship where one person feels burdened by the demands of their partner. The singer pleads for understanding, a little easing of the pressure, while also acknowledging their own role in the situation.
- Ambiguity: Is the “beast of burden” the woman, the narrator, or the relationship itself? The song leaves this open to interpretation.
Musical Style
- Blues-Rock: The song has a laid-back bluesy groove that stands in contrast to many of the Stones’ more raucous tunes.
- Guitar Magic: Keith Richards’ interweaving guitar parts with Ron Wood’s slide guitar are iconic elements of the song.
- Catchy Chorus: The memorable, singalong chorus adds to the track’s enduring popularity.
Legacy
- Fan Favorite: “Beast of Burden” remains a staple of The Rolling Stones’ live shows and a beloved classic rock song.
- Covers: It has been covered by numerous artists, including Bette Midler, whose version was particularly successful.
Interesting Notes
- The song was originally much slower, almost ballad-like, and evolved through the recording process..
- The lyrics may have been partly inspired by Keith Richards’ personal struggles at the time.
Video
Lyrics
I’ll never be your beast of burdenMy back is broad but it’s a-hurtingAll I want for you to make love to meI’ll never be your beast of burdenI’ve walked for miles, my feet are hurtingAll I want for you to make love to me
Am I hard enough?Am I rough enough?Am I rich enough?I’m not too blind to see
I’ll never be your beast of burdenSo let’s go home and draw the curtainsMusic on the radioCome on baby make sweet love to me
Am I hard enough?Am I rough enough?Am I rich enough?I’m not too blind to see
Oh, little sisterPretty, pretty, pretty girlsOoh, you’re a pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty girlPretty, pretty, such a pretty, pretty, pretty girlCome on, baby, please, please, please
I’ll tell yaYou can put me outOn the streetPut me outWith no shoes on my feetBut put me out, put me outPut me out of misery, yeah
All your sickness, I can suck it upThrow it all at meI can shrug it offThere’s one thing, babyI don’t understandYou keep on telling meI ain’t your kind of man
Ain’t I rough enough? Ooh, honeyAin’t I tough enough?Ain’t I rich enough? In love enough?Ooh, please
I’ll never be your beast of burdenI’ll never be your beast of burdenNever, never, never, never, never, never, never be
I’ll never be your beast of burdenI’ve walked for miles, my feet are hurtingAll I want is you to make love to meYeah
I don’t need no beast of burdenI need no fussingI need no nursingNever, never, never, never, never, never, never be