Playing With Fire
The Rolling Stones Lyrics


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Well, you've got your diamonds and you've got your pretty clothes
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
But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire

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

Overall Meaning

In The Rolling Stones’ classic hit “Play With Fire”, Mick Jagger warns a woman who leads a luxurious lifestyle not to mess with him. The song suggests that the woman comes from a wealthy family and is accustomed to flaunting her wealth with expensive clothes, a chauffeur-driven car, and flashy jewelry. Jagger suggests that her mother is an heiress who owns a block in Saint John’s Wood and her father would be with her if he could. However, the woman’s indulgent lifestyle is threatened, as Jagger warns her that she’s “playing with fire” by toying with his emotions.


Jagger goes on to reveal that the woman’s father had taken her mother’s diamonds and tiaras by the score, resulting in her mother seeking her kicks in Stepney and not in Knightsbridge, a more upscale part of London. Jagger then advises the woman that while she has some diamonds, she better watch her step or she might end up living with her mother.


In “Play With Fire”, The Rolling Stones use their signature blend of rock and blues to deliver a message of warning to a certain type of woman. This song is widely regarded as one of The Rolling Stones’ most popular early tracks and has since become a classic. It is indeed a timeless piece of music that showcases the band's creative talents.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, you've got your diamonds and you've got your pretty clothes
You have accumulated wealth and material possessions, including expensive clothing and jewelry.


And the chauffeur drives your car
You have a personal driver who takes you wherever you want to go.


You let everybody know
You make sure that people are aware of your affluent lifestyle and possessions.


But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
However, if you attempt to take advantage of me or act recklessly towards me, you will face serious consequences.


Your mother she's an heiress, owns a block in Saint John's Wood
Your mother inherited a large sum of money and property, including a significant building in a wealthy and prestigious area of London.


And your father'd be there with her
If he was still alive or able, your father would be living in the same luxurious manner as your mother.


If he only could
Unfortunately, he is not able to do so for some reason.


But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Regardless of your family's wealth and status, if you attempt to harm or exploit me, you will face serious consequences.


Your old man took her diamonds and tiaras by the score
Your mother's previous husband or partner took many of her valuable possessions, including numerous pieces of jewelry and headwear.


Now she gets her kicks in Stepney
Your mother has now found enjoyment in a less affluent area of London, Stepney.


Not in Knightsbridge anymore
She no longer derives satisfaction from living in the high-end shopping district Knightsbridge.


So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
If you attempt to harm or manipulate me, you will face severe consequences, regardless of your family's wealth or your own possessions.


Now you've got some diamonds and you will have some others
You have obtained some expensive jewelry and it is likely that you will acquire more in the future.


But you'd better watch your step, girl
However, you must be careful in your actions and decisions, because there will be consequences if you mistreat or take advantage of others.


Or start living with your mother
If you are not careful, you may end up needing to rely on your mother's wealth and may even have to live with her if you face dire consequences.


So don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire
Regardless of how wealthy or successful you become, if you attempt to deceive or cause harm to me, the consequences will be severe.




Lyrics © Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Nanker Phelge

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@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

55 More Replies...

@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.

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