Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, "Stupid Girl" is noted for its apparently degrading lyrics towards women, a claim also made about other Stones songs like "Under My Thumb". On the song, Bill Janovitz says in his review:
"Unlike another of the album's put-downs, "Under My Thumb," "Stupid Girl" rails and spits venom with a high school garage rock band-like intensity and with about the same level of polish and focus. But while it is not as well-written as "Under My Thumb," "Stupid Girl" possesses an endearing and energetic snottiness that might have won the Stones a good amount of sexually frustrated young men fans who might have otherwise started to defect to the Who and the Kinks when they heard ballads like "Lady Jane."
On the song's lyrics, Richards said in a 1971 interview with Rolling Stone:
"It was all a spin-off from our environment... hotels, and too many dumb chicks. Not all dumb, not by any means, but that's how one got. When you're canned up - half the time it's impossible to go out - it was to go through a whole sort of football match."
When asked about the song and its influences, Jagger said in a 1995 interview with the same magazine:
"Yeah, it's much nastier than 'Under My Thumb'... Obviously, I was having a bit of trouble. I wasn't in a good relationship. Or I was in too many bad relationships. I had so many girlfriends at that point. None of them seemed to care they weren't pleasing me very much. I was obviously in with the wrong group."
"I'm not talking about the kind of clothes she wears - look at that stupid girl. I'm not talking about the way she combs her hair - look at that stupid girl.
The way she talks about someone else; That she don't even know herself; She's the sickest thing in this world; Well look at that stupid girl"
"Stupid Girl" was recorded at Los Angeles' RCA Studios on 6–9 March 1966. With Jagger on lead vocals and tambourine, Richards on electric guitars, and backing vocals Brian Jones on acoustic. Charlie Watts is on drums, while Bill Wyman plays bass. Ian Stewart plays organ on the song while Jack Nitzsche performs electric piano.
It was included in the 1989 compilation Singles Collection: The London Years.
Stupid Girl
The Rolling Stones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look at that stupid girl
I'm not talking about the way she combs her hair
Look at that stupid girl
The way she powders her nose
Her vanity shows and it shows
She's the worst thing in this world
I'm not talking about the way she digs for gold
Look at that stupid girl
Well, I'm talking about the way she grabs and holds
Look at that stupid girl
The way she talks about someone else
That she don't even know herself
She's the sickest thing in this world
Well, look at that stupid girl
Well, I'm sick and tired
And I really have my doubts
I've tried and tried
But it never really works out
Like a lady in waiting to a virgin queen
Look at that stupid girl
She bitches 'bout things that she's never seen
Look at that stupid girl
It doesn't matter if she dyes her hair
Or the color of the shoes she wears
She's the worst thing in this world
Well, look at that stupid girl
Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Like a lady in waiting to a virgin queen
Look at that stupid girl
She bitches 'bout things that she's never seen
Look at that stupid girl
She purrs like a pussycat
Then she turns 'round and hisses back
She's the sickest thing in this world
Look at that stupid girl
The song Stupid Girl by The Rolling Stones is about a woman who is obsessed with herself and her appearance. The lyrics criticize her superficial nature and the way she talks about others without knowing anything about them. The song is notable for its use of repetition and chorus, where the same phrase "Look at that stupid girl" is repeated throughout the song. Mick Jagger's vocals and Keith Richards' guitar riffs add a sense of urgency and frustration to the song.
The first verse talks about the girl's appearance and how she tries too hard to look good. The second verse criticizes the way she grabs and holds onto material possessions, as well as her tendency to gossip about others. The third verse is more general, stating that it doesn't matter what the girl does - she will always be the worst thing in the world.
The final verse is the most interesting, as it introduces the metaphor of the lady in waiting to a virgin queen. This metaphor suggests that the girl is waiting for something bigger and better to happen in her life, but is ultimately held back by her own stupidity. The repeated phrase "shut up" reinforces the frustration and anger of the song.
Overall, Stupid Girl is a scathing critique of superficiality and materialism, delivered with The Rolling Stones' trademark rock and roll energy.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not talking about the kind of clothes she wears
Her fashion choices are not relevant to the fact that she is unintelligent.
Look at that stupid girl
The singer is pointing out the girl's foolish behavior.
I'm not talking about the way she combs her hair
Her hairdo is not relevant to the fact that she is unintelligent.
The way she powders her nose
Her excessive use of makeup highlights her vanity.
Her vanity shows and it shows
Her conceited nature is apparent to others.
She's the worst thing in this world
The singer believes she is a terrible person.
Well, look at that stupid girl
The singer continues to point out the girl's foolish behavior.
I'm not talking about the way she digs for gold
Her materialistic desires are not relevant to the fact that she is unintelligent.
Well, I'm talking about the way she grabs and holds
Her greedy actions are what the singer is referring to.
The way she talks about someone else
Her gossiping and speculating are indications of her lack of knowledge.
That she don't even know herself
She is unaware of her own deficiencies before criticizing others.
She's the sickest thing in this world
The singer is using hyperbole to condemn her behavior.
Well, look at that stupid girl
The singer continues to point out the girl's foolish behavior.
Well, I'm sick and tired
The singer is exhausted from constantly dealing with her behavior.
And I really have my doubts
The singer is unsure if anything will improve her behavior.
I've tried and tried
The singer attempted to help her improve but was unsuccessful.
But it never really works out
None of the singer's efforts to change her have been successful.
Like a lady in waiting to a virgin queen
The girl is subservient to someone who is also inexperienced and ignorant.
She bitches 'bout things that she's never seen
The girl complains about things she knows nothing about.
It doesn't matter if she dyes her hair
The girl's superficial changes do not reflect her true nature.
Or the color of the shoes she wears
Her choice of footwear is irrelevant to her character.
Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up
The singer is tired of listening to her nonsense.
She purrs like a pussycat
The girl appears flirtatious and seductive at times.
Then she turns 'round and hisses back
The girl is quick to turn hostile and aggressive.
She's the sickest thing in this world
The singer reiterates his belief that she is a terrible person.
Look at that stupid girl
The singer concludes the song by pointing out the girl's foolish behavior once again.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thepakidd5647
I was at a nightclub with a girl I just started dating back in 1973. This song was on the jukebox so I popped in on, just to get the place rocking. I wasn't really thinking about the lyrics but of course my girl says "Is this song about ME?". It took a while to convince her that, no, it wasn't about her. Three months later, when we split up, THEN it was about her.
@ThaiThom
Actually one of their best songs, overlooked way too much.
@randalldavis3251
It was the B side of Paint it black.Great tune which got scant airplay.
@tucker7091
This is the perfect break-up song for men 😂😂
@MVgaming627
I found out about this song 30 years ago in my 20s and its still one of my favourites on the Aftermath, album along with "Think", and "Under My Thumb".
@glorgau
How could they come up with these lyrics about my ex before she was even born?
@yoshiyuki_dilcelinobrucejr6503
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
@robertthacher-dv4kn
From Aftermath, this is a special song. Well written and nicely done. A nice bridge!
@gino6394
One of the STONES best songs and album,this entire album is great, Rank this right up there with Exile on Main St 👍👌🤘😎
@freebootercinema9157
"Ho ho, matey! Now it's Pacific Standard Plank Time for ye! Arrrrr!"