The Spider And The Fly
The Rolling Stones Lyrics


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Sittin', drinkin', sinkin', drinkin'
Wonderin' what I'd do when I'm through tonight
Smokin', mopin', maybe just hopin'
Some little girl will pass on by
Don't wanna be alone but I love my girl at home
I remember what she said (what she said)
She said, "my, my, my, don't tell lies,
Keep fidelity in your head
My my my, don't tell lies,
When you're done you should go to bed
Don't say hi, like a spider to a fly
Jump right ahead and you're dead"

Sit up, fed up, low down, go round
Down to the bar at the place I'm at
Sittin', drinkin', superficially thinkin'
About the rinsed-out blonde on my left
But then I said "hi" like a spider to a fly
Rememberin' what my little girl said

She was common, flirty, she looked about thirty
I would have run away but I was on my own
She told me later she's a machine operator
She said she liked the way I held the microphone





Then I said "hi" like a spider to a fly
Jump right ahead in my web

Overall Meaning

The Rolling Stones's song The Spider And The Fly is a cautionary tale about infidelity and the consequences that come with it. The opening verses depict the singer sitting alone in a bar, contemplating what he will do for the night. He hopes for a momentary distraction from his loneliness in the form of a passing girl. However, he remembers the words of his loved one, who warned him to keep fidelity in his head and not to fall prey to temptation, comparing the situation to a spider capturing its prey, a fly. Despite this, he eventually succumbs to the advances of a flirtatious woman who shows interest in him.


The second verse recounts how he meets this girl, who is described as common and flirty. He acknowledges that he should have avoided her, but his loneliness and desire led him to stay. She expresses admiration for his microphone-holding ability, and he instantly sees an opportunity for a quick fling. Again, he disobeys his loved one's advice and approaches her like a spider catching a fly. The song ends with the implication that the singer is trapped in his own web of desire, unable to escape from the consequences of his actions.


Overall, The Spider And The Fly is a powerful statement about the importance of fidelity and the dangers of infidelity, using the metaphor of a spider and a fly to convey its message. It warns against being lured into temptation by the promise of temporary pleasure, reminding listeners that actions have consequences that cannot be escaped.


Line by Line Meaning

Sittin', drinkin', sinkin', drinkin'
I am sitting and drinking, feeling low and sad, wanting to know what I should do after tonight.


Wonderin' what I'd do when I'm through tonight
I am wondering what to do once the night is over.


Smokin', mopin', maybe just hopin'
I am smoking, feeling low and sad, and perhaps just hoping that a girl walks by.


Some little girl will pass on by
I am waiting for a girl to walk by.


Don't wanna be alone but I love my girl at home
Although I don't want to be alone, I still love my girlfriend at home.


I remember what she said (what she said)
I recall what my girlfriend told me.


She said, "my, my, my, don't tell lies, Keep fidelity in your head, My my my, don't tell lies, When you're done you should go to bed, Don't say hi, like a spider to a fly, Jump right ahead and you're dead"
My girlfriend warned me not to lie and to remain faithful. She also advised me not to greet other women like a predator, or it could lead to trouble.


Sit up, fed up, low down, go round
I am sitting up straight, feeling unsatisfied and depressed, and going around in circles in my thoughts.


Down to the bar at the place I'm at
I am going to the bar in the location where I am currently located.


Sittin', drinkin', superficially thinkin'
I am sitting and drinking while thinking shallow thoughts.


About the rinsed-out blonde on my left
I am thinking about the blonde woman sitting next to me who looks washed-out and faded.


But then I said "hi" like a spider to a fly
Despite my girlfriend's warning, I still greeted the woman next to me in a predatory manner.


Rememberin' what my little girl said
I am now recalling my girlfriend's warning again.


She was common, flirty, she looked about thirty
The woman I greeted was ordinary, flirtatious, and looked about thirty years old.


I would have run away but I was on my own
I would have fled from the woman's advances, but I was alone and vulnerable.


She told me later she's a machine operator
The woman I met later told me that she works as a machine operator.


She said she liked the way I held the microphone
The woman complimented me on my microphone work.


Then I said "hi" like a spider to a fly
Again, despite my girlfriend's warning, I greeted the woman in a predatory manner.


Jump right ahead in my web
I then proceeded to lure the woman into my trap.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: KEITH RICHARDS, MICK JAGGER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@michaelwatt7846

Such a cool bluesy groove.

@musichub6023

Underrated song by the Stones.

@LTQD10

Agreed 💯

@rkmklz7562

The Stones were fantastic in the early days....😊... you can't beat the rhythm and beat of this 😊

@brianharrison4496

If someone ask to me who are the Stones? I'd say "Please listen to this Song!" These are My Stones! This is the Wonderful Sound of the Brian Jones Times! RIP

@Methilde

Brian play rythmic, Keith lead and meanly voice and harmonica by Jagger, composed by M&K of course.

@brianharrison4496

@Methilde  And of course Bill Wyman Bass and Charlie Watts Drum! It's a Wonderful Song!!!! 👍

@Methilde

@@brianharrison4496
Yes, of course!!!!

@angelusway

Mick at his best!!

@robertweingartner2055

An underrated classic from the Out Of Our Heads album.

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