Sympathy For The Devil

About this song

The Rolling Stones took considerable criticism for writing a song from the devil's perspective. The song was inspired by Mikhail Bulgakov's novel The Master and Margarita, in which the devil and his companions roam 1930s Moscow playing tricks on greedy and foolish people. The band did not perform it for at least five years after the Altamont concert, when they played it on tour in 1975.

What it's about

Sung in the first person as Satan, the song runs through historical events that could be seen as the devil's work. Its point is more about the flaws of humanity than about devil worship.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 7 other songs, like “Way Down Now by World Party”.
• Covered 41 times, including “Sympathy for the Devil by Elvie Shane”.
• Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
• Produced by Jimmy Miller.
• Recorded at Olympic Studios.