It's Only Rock 'n Roll
Rolling Stones - The Lyrics
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And spill it all over the stage
Would it satisfy ya, would it slide on by ya
Would you think the boy is strange?
Ain't he strange?
If I could win ya, if I could sing ya
A love song so divine
If I broke down and cried?
If I cried?
I said I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it, like it, yes, I do
Oh, well, I like it, I like it, I like it
I said can't you see that this old boy has been a lonely?
If I could stick a knife in my heart
Suicide right on stage
Would it be enough for your teenage lust
Would it help to ease the pain?
Ease your brain?
If I could dig down deep in my heart
Feelings would flood on the page
Would it satisfy ya, would it slide on by ya
Would ya think the boy's insane?
He's insane
I said I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
I said I know it's only rock'n roll but I like it, like it, yes, I do
Oh, well, I like it, yeah, I like it, I like it
I said can't you see that this old boy has been a lonely?
And do ya think that you're the only girl around?
I bet you think that you're the only woman in town, ah, ooh yeah
I said I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
I said I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it, yeah
I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it, like it, yes, I do
Oh, well, I like it, I like it, I like it, I like it
I like it, I like it, I like it (only rock 'n roll') but I like it
(It's only rock 'n' roll) but I like it (only rock 'n' roll) but I like it
(Only rock 'n' roll) but I like it (only rock 'n' roll) but I like it
(Only rock 'n' roll) but I like it (only rock 'n' roll) but I like it
(Only rock 'n' roll) but I like it (only rock 'n' roll) but I like it
(Only rock 'n' roll) but I like it (only rock 'n' roll) but I like it
(Only rock 'n' roll) but I like it, yeah, but I like it
Oh and I like it, ooh yeah I like it
The Rolling Stones' song It's Only Rock 'n Roll explores the concept of the modern world's obsession with fame, and the lengths some people will go to gain it. The first verse describes the singer's desire to reveal his deepest emotions and vulnerabilities through his art, questioning whether the audience would accept or reject him. The second verse takes this idea further, with the singer suggesting that even suicide on stage would not be enough to satisfy the audience's appetite for sensationalism.
The chorus, "I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it" implies that the singer is aware of the shallow nature of the music industry, but still finds value in the art form, perhaps using it as a coping mechanism for his own feelings of loneliness and rejection. The bridge of the song takes a more direct, confrontational tone, with the singer challenging a specific woman who he believes thinks she is the only one in town, and proclaiming his love for rock 'n' roll despite its flaws.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a commentary on the superficiality of the entertainment industry and the desire for attention and validation it can bring, as well as a celebration of the power of music to bring people together and provide solace.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could stick my pen in my heart
If I could express my deepest emotions through my art
And spill it all over the stage
And share it with everyone present during the performance
Would it satisfy ya, would it slide on by ya
Would it be sufficient for you or would you ignore it?
Would you think the boy is strange?
Would you consider me peculiar?
If I could win ya, if I could sing ya
If I could woo you with my music
A love song so divine
A love song that is heavenly
Would it be enough for your cheating heart
Would it be sufficient to make up for your infidelity?
If I broke down and cried?
If I showed my vulnerable side and shed tears?
I said I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
I recognize that it's just music but I still enjoy it
Oh, well, I like it, I like it, I like it
I really, really enjoy it
I said can't you see that this old boy has been a lonely?
Can't you tell that I've been lonely?
If I could stick a knife in my heart
If I could expose my innermost feelings
Suicide right on stage
To the point of risking everything in front of the audience
Would it be enough for your teenage lust
Would it please your lustful desires, especially during adolescence?
Would it help to ease the pain?
Would it provide relief from the pain you're experiencing?
If I could dig down deep in my heart
If I could explore my innermost thoughts and emotions
Feelings would flood on the page
Emotions would pour out onto the page
Would it satisfy ya, would it slide on by ya
Would it be enough for you or would you ignore it?
Would ya think the boy's insane?
Would you consider me insane?
And do ya think that you're the only girl around?
Do you believe that you're the only girl available to me?
I said I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
I am aware that it's only rock 'n' roll but I still like it
I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it, like it, yes, I do
I know it's only rock 'n' roll, but I really like it
Oh, well, I like it, yeah, I like it, I like it
I really, really like it
Oh and I like it, ooh yeah I like it
I really enjoy it, oh yes, I enjoy it
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheRollingStones
We're putting together a festive playlist. What are your favourite Stones songs to listen to at this time of year?
@Guilherme-md7vw
JJF !
@KasperDeRijke
2000 light years from home
@RobertNugent
Rocks Off
@radtech21
"Bitch" LOL
@RobSmithSporty
Sympathy for the Devil and Street Fighting Man are my favorites.
@timschmidt3784
Only one person could sit on the throne behind those drums. We all knew him as the iconic Charlie Watts. Rest in peace and keep drumming, sir.
@maximilianogarro8552
Un musico fantastico tristeza entre los"rolingas"fans de the rolling stones en mi pais,saludos desde Argentina
@williamcorgnell5462
I seriously thought it was a cruel joke when someone posted RIP Charlie Watts in a game chat I was on just to be a troll . True story.. my fiance told me one nite when I was drinking that Neil peart from rush died and I told her not funny cause she isn't really into rush and thought she was being a bitch. Then I looked it up and balled my eyes out. This God takes all the good musicals and leaves the shit musicians. Must be having hell of a show up there.
@marshalltherion
Miss you . Big tribute concert coming.