It's Only Rock 'n' Roll
The Rolling Stones Lyrics


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If I could stick my pen in my heart
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
Would it be enough for your cheating heart
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

Overall Meaning

The Rolling Stones' song "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" is an iconic expression of the band's commitment to the simple pleasures of their craft. The song speaks to the power of rock 'n' roll music as a means of expressing emotions that are difficult or impossible to articulate in words. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to do anything, including self-harm, to communicate the depth of his feelings to an unresponsive audience. The chorus reiterates that "it's only rock 'n' roll," but the singer likes it nonetheless.


The verses of “It's Only Rock ‘n’ Roll” express the singer’s desire to impress his audience and win their love, but also his recognition that rock 'n' roll is ultimately limited in its ability to bridge the divide between performer and audience. Despite this, the singer still finds joy in the act of creating and performing music, and in the connection that can occur between performer and listener even if it is fleeting.


The song speaks to a universal desire for connection and recognition, particularly among artists who pour their hearts into their work with the hope of making an impact on those who experience it. The catchy and upbeat rhythm of the song reinforces the idea that, even if the connection between performer and audience is tenuous, it is still worth pursuing.


Line by Line Meaning

If I could stick my pen in my heart
If I could express my deepest emotions through my creative outlet


And spill it all over the stage
And showcase my emotions to the world while performing


Would it satisfy ya, would it slide on by ya
Would it be enough for you or would you ignore it?


Would you think the boy is strange?
Would you judge me for being vulnerable?


If I could win ya, if I could sing ya
If I could impress you and capture your attention with my music


A love song so divine
A song so beautiful and heartfelt


Would it be enough for your cheating heart
Could my song make you forget about your infidelity?


If I broke down and cried?
If I showed my emotions, would it make a difference to you?


I said I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
I acknowledge that my music is simple, but I still enjoy it


Oh, well, I like it, I like it, I like it
I really enjoy making and performing music


I said can't you see that this old boy has been a lonely?
Don't you realize that I create music to cope with my loneliness?


If I could stick a knife in my heart
If I could really lay bare my emotions through my music


Suicide right on stage
Performing so passionately that it feels like an emotional release


Would it be enough for your teenage lust
Could my music help you forget about your desires?


Would it help to ease the pain?
Could my music be therapeutic for you?


If I could dig down deep in my heart
If I could truly express my emotions through my music


Feelings would flood on the page
My emotions would pour out onto the paper


Would it satisfy ya, would it slide on by ya
Would you finally pay attention or still ignore me?


Would ya think the boy's insane?
Would you label me as crazy for being so honest?


And do ya think that you're the only girl around?
Do you think you're the only one I write songs about?


I bet you think that you're the only woman in town, ah, ooh yeah
I'm sure you believe that every song I write is about you, but you're not the only one


I know it's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
I know my music may not be the most profound, but I still enjoy it


Oh and I like it, ooh yeah I like it
I really like it and enjoy creating and performing music




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@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.

141 More Replies...

@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.

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