Satisfaction
Ralph De Jongh & Hans Van Lier Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no satisfaction
'Cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try
I can't get no, I can't get no

When I'm driving in my car
When a man come on the radio
He's telling me more and more
About some useless information
Supposed to fire my imagination

I can't get no, oh, no, no, no, hey, hey, hey
That's what I say
I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no satisfaction
'Cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try
I can't get no, I can't get no

When I'm watchin' my TV
And a man comes on and tells me
How white my shirts can be
But, he can't be a man 'cause he doesn't smoke
The same cigarettes as me

I can't get no, oh, no, no, no, hey, hey, hey




That's what I say
I can't get no satisfaction

Overall Meaning

In "Satisfaction," Ralph De Jongh and Hans Van Lier express a deep sense of frustration and dissatisfaction in various aspects of their lives. The repetition of the line "I can't get no satisfaction" serves as a powerful refrain, highlighting the relentless pursuit for fulfillment that ultimately remains elusive.


The song begins with an emphasis on trying and failing to find satisfaction. The repetition of "I try, and I try, and I try, and I try" suggests that despite their efforts, they continuously encounter disappointment and unfulfilled desires. This may represent a broader commentary on the human condition, where individuals are constantly striving for something better but are unable to attain true satisfaction.


The first verse delves into the frustration encountered when driving in a car and listening to the radio. The man on the radio bombards them with "useless information" that is seemingly meant to captivate their imagination but only leaves them feeling unfulfilled. This could symbolize the overwhelming influence of media and advertising in society, constantly bombarding individuals with empty promises and shallow distractions.


Moving to the second verse, the dissatisfaction extends to television. Here, a man on TV tells them about the potential whiteness of their shirts, but the singer realizes that this superficial concern doesn't hold any significance. The mention of cigarettes further highlights a divide between the singer and the person on TV. Smoking the same brand of cigarettes becomes a symbol of shared experiences and values, and the fact that the man on TV doesn't share that commonality renders him unable to fully understand or relate to the singer's desires.


Overall, "Satisfaction" by Ralph De Jongh and Hans Van Lier captures the universal experience of seeking fulfillment and constantly falling short. The lyrics portray a poignant commentary on the frustration encountered when faced with societal pressures, empty promises, and a lack of understanding from others. It serves as a reminder that true satisfaction may be elusive, but the pursuit of meaning and contentment remains a driving force in human existence.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't get no satisfaction
I am unable to achieve a sense of fulfillment or contentment


Cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try
Despite my efforts and attempts


When I'm driving in my car
During the moments of driving in my car


When a man comes on the radio
When a male voice is heard on the radio


He's telling me more and more
He is constantly providing increased information


About some useless information
Regarding irrelevant or unimportant details


Supposed to fire my imagination
Expected to ignite my creativity


That's what I say
That is my statement


When I'm watching my TV
While I am engaged in watching television


And a man comes on and tells me
And a male figure appears and informs me


How white my shirts can be
How bright and clean my shirts have the potential to be


But, he can't be a man 'cause he doesn't smoke
However, he cannot be considered a real man because he does not smoke


The same cigarettes as me
The identical brand of cigarettes as I do




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Michael Jagger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found