You Can't Always Get What You Want
The Rolling Stones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You get what you need
I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you might find
You get what you need
But I went down to the demonstration
To get your fair share of abuse
Singing, "We're gonna vent our frustration
If we don't we're gonna blow a fifty-amp fuse"
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need
I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
To get your prescription filled
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill
We decided that we would have a soda
My favorite flavor, cherry red
I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy
Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was "dead"
I said to him
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You get what you need
You get what you need, yeah, oh baby
I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well I could tell by her blood-stained hands
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might find
You just might find
You get what you need 0h yeah
The lyrics of The Rolling Stones's song You Can't Always Get What You Want, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, express the idea that life does not always go as planned and you may not always get exactly what you want, but if you keep trying, you might ultimately end up with what you actually need. The song highlights the story of a woman who attends a reception with a glass of wine in her hand, looking for her "footloose man." The singer then realizes that life's frustrations and disappointments are inevitable, even when you try hard to achieve your goals ("we're gonna vent our frustration, if we don't we're gonna blow a fifty-amp fuse"). In the end, the lyrics suggest that people should keep an open mind and keep trying because they might find that what they need is not always what they thought they wanted.
Throughout the song, the lyrics provide numerous references to drugs, sex, and hippie culture, which were dominant themes in the 1960s. Also, the song opens with a children's choir singing "you can't always get what you want," giving the song an anthemic quality. Music reviewers have suggested that the uplifting lyrics and sing-along chorus have made it a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw her today at the reception
I spotted her at the gathering
A glass of wine in her hand
She was holding a wine glass while I observed her
I knew she would meet her connection
I believed that she was going to meet someone important
At her feet was her footloose man
Her carefree man was beside her
You can't always get what you want
It isn't always possible to obtain everything you desire
But if you try sometime you find
However, if you put in some effort, there is a possibility that you may receive it
You get what you need
What you need may be given to you instead of what you want
But I went down to the demonstration
I went to the public protest
To get your fair share of abuse
In anticipation of getting fairly treated
Singing, "We're gonna vent our frustration
We were shouting, we were going to express our anger
If we don't we're gonna blow a fifty-amp fuse"
If we don't do so, energy inside us will explode, figuratively
I went down to the Chelsea drugstore
I went to the chemist in Chelsea
To get your prescription filled
To get your medication
I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy
I was in queue with Jimmy
And man, did he look pretty ill
And he appeared very sick
We decided that we would have a soda
We agreed to have a soft drink
My favorite flavor, cherry red
I chose cherry red as it is my favorite
I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy
I sang my track to Jimmy
Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was "dead"
His response was a single word, and it was 'dead'
In her glass was a bleeding man
Inside her glass was a portion of red alcoholic beverage, resembling blood
She was practiced at the art of deception
She was skillful in the act of misleading others
Well, I could tell by her blood-stained hands
But I could figure out from her hands, which were covered with red stains
You just might find
It's possible that
You get what you need, oh yeah
You can obtain what is necessary instead of what you desire
Lyrics © Abkco Music, Inc.
Written by: KEITH RICHARDS, MICK JAGGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KCG7
We all love that Chorus!
But!
“I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
I knew she would meet her connection
At her feet was her footloose man”
to
“I saw her today at the reception
In her glass was a bleeding man
She was practiced at the art of deception
Well, I could tell by her blood-stained hands, sing it”
Just hits me right in my feels. ❤
@larrywalker5781
In my humble opinion as a 78 year old male this was the best Stones song ever
@duanedodson1
This is a good song, until I seen the lipstick wearing fool.
@christianrodriguez-sg8vt
I agree sir.
@chilloften
Haha, it’s a beauty. So many good ones from these guys, what a joy.
@jilldove5793
I'm 55 grew up on stones. Have every vinyl. Been blessed to see them 9 time. Still my fav stones song & wild horses❤
@user-cu4vm8eh5d
Absolutely ! Young man !
@stanleyrafael8973
I’m here at 2:15pm and this song just hit me during the hardest times. My father just passed away due to the coronavirus. As he was fighting for his life for 2 weeks straight and a bunch of prayers. He passed away without having to say one last word to his kids. This song hits because you can’t always get what you want in life, but if you try and keep moving forward you can find light at the end of the tunnel..
@krysiajewitt5627
Sorry for your loss. Stay strong, music is a great friend in times of need.
@axiomist4488
Sorry about your dad.
@Sam-ot8lm
May he rest, I'm sure he was a wonderful man, I send my condolences to you and your family.