Play With Fire
- The Rolling Stones Lyrics
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And the chauffeur drives your car
You let everybody know
But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Your mother she's an heiress, owns a block in Saint John's Wood
And your father'd be there with her
If he only could
Your old man took her diamonds and tiaras by the score
Now she gets her kicks in Stepney
Not in Knightsbridge anymore
So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Now you've got some diamonds and you will have some others
But you'd better watch your step, girl
Or start living with your mother
So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
"The Rolling Stones's song Play With Fire" is a cautionary tale about wealth and privilege. The lyrics describe a woman who has everything money can buy - diamonds, pretty clothes, a chauffeur, and a block in St. John's Wood - but is ultimately unhappy and unfulfilled. The singer warns her not to play with him because he knows the kind of person she is and the danger that comes with playing with fire.
The song starts by painting a picture of a woman with a lot of money and possessions. She lets everyone know about it, but the singer is not impressed. He warns her not to "play with fire" - in other words, not to mess with him. The second verse introduces the woman's mother, who is also wealthy, and her father, who is not. The singer suggests that the father would be with the mother if he could - implying that he is not because of her wealth. The chorus repeats the warning not to play with fire.
The third verse introduces a new element to the story - the fact that the woman's "old man" took her diamonds and tiaras and she now gets her kicks in Stepney, not Knightsbridge. This suggests that she is rebelling against her wealthy upbringing and seeking excitement and adventure elsewhere. The final chorus reiterates the warning not to play with fire.
Overall, "Play With Fire" is a commentary on the emptiness that can come with wealth and privilege, and a warning against taking risks that will only lead to more problems.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, you've got your diamonds and you've got your pretty clothes
You possess expensive jewelry and fashionable garments
And the chauffeur drives your car
You are driven around by a hired driver
You let everybody know
You make it known to everyone
But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Don't mess with me because you could get hurt
Your mother she's an heiress, owns a block in Saint John's Wood
Your mother is a wealthy woman who owns property in an affluent area
And your father'd be there with her
Your father would be there with her if he could
If he only could
If he were able to
But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Don't mess with me because you could get hurt
Your old man took her diamonds and tiaras by the score
Your father took a large amount of her expensive jewelry
Now she gets her kicks in Stepney
Now she finds enjoyment in a less wealthy area
Not in Knightsbridge anymore
No longer in the wealthy area of Knightsbridge
So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Don't mess with me because you could get hurt
Now you've got some diamonds and you will have some others
Now you have some jewelry and will acquire more in the future
But you'd better watch your step, girl
You should be cautious with your actions
Or start living with your mother
Or you will have to live with your mother if you make a mistake
So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Don't mess with me because you could get hurt
So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Don't mess with me because you could get hurt
Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Nanker Phelge
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnnymartinez3152
My two brothers and I heard this song while visiting our mother, who has become a nun living at a Christian convent in the Himalayas.
@christianmohr2993
Better hop that train
@johnnymartinez3152
@@christianmohr2993 I see you! 😎
@maxjohnson3084
Is the snake really dead?
@Delizio1
Let's all go get a drink and smoke a cigarette.
@liamready431
Sounds like a Quinten tarentino movie clip
@lxx5045
One of my fav Stones song, its hauntingly beautiful, Micks voice suites the musical arrangement. Perfect.
@kylewashington1841
So glad we could get such beautiful insight by your comment.
@brucewayne3602
well beyond bloody brilliant (as usual) !!!
@rogerbennett9641
It has a feeling of sincerity like he has a reason for singing those lyrics and it is so redolent of its period in time, it recalls feelings about life back then kind of spookily for old sods like me.