Listen to the Song
Song DNA
Genre
Rock
Era
60s
Mood
Philosophical
Tempo
Mid-tempo
Key
Major
Texture
Layered
Sound
Choral Rock
Feel
Groovy
The Rolling Stones
Beggars Sessions (1989)
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards
Serving as the epic finale to the 1969 album 'Let It Bleed,' this song is one of the Rolling Stones' most ambitious works, famously incorporating the London Bach Choir. It remains a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the transition from 1960s idealism to the grounded reality of the 1970s.
Bridge
Chorus
Verse
The song is a masterclass in 'maximalist minimalism.' Harmonically, it is extremely simple, utilizing only three chords (C, F, and D). Its distinctiveness comes from the juxtaposition of this simple I-IV folk/rock structure against a sophisticated arrangement…
Mick Jagger wrote the song on an acoustic guitar. It was designed to capture the transition from the optimistic 1960s to a more cynical reality. The lyrics reflect the 'Chelsea drug store' scene and the general atmosphere of the era's end.
“The London Bach Choir features in the opening, arranged by Jack Nitzsche.”
The song is a masterclass in 'maximalist minimalism.' Harmonically, it is extremely simple, utilizing only three chords (C, F, and D). Its distinctiveness comes from the juxtaposition of this simple I-IV folk/rock structure against a sophisticated arrangement featuring the London Bach Choir and Al Kooper's French horn. The use of the major II chord in the bridge provides the necessary harmonic lift to break the hypnotic loop of the verses.
Mick Jagger wrote the song on an acoustic guitar. It was designed to capture the transition from the optimistic 1960s to a more cynical reality. The lyrics reflect the 'Chelsea drug store' scene and the general atmosphere of the era's end.
Serving as the epic finale to the 1969 album 'Let It Bleed,' this song is one of the Rolling Stones' most ambitious works, famously incorporating the London Bach Choir. It remains a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the transition from 1960s idealism to the grounded reality of the 1970s.
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Genre
Rock
Era
60s
Mood
Philosophical
Tempo
Mid-tempo
Key
Major
Texture
Layered
Sound
Choral Rock
Feel
Groovy
5.2M
Plays
949K
Listeners
360K
Genius Views
14
Annotations
100%
Popularity
7:28
Duration
4/4
Time
Chords D ✕ ✕ F C ✕ D F C Harmony The song is a masterclass in 'maximalist minimalism.' Harmonically, it is extremely simple, utilizing only three chords (C, F, and D). Its distinctiveness comes from the juxtaposition of this simple I-IV folk/rock structure against a sophisticated arrangement featuring the London Bach Choir and Al Kooper's French horn. The use of the major II chord in the bridge provides the necessary harmonic lift to break the hypnotic loop of the verses. Some sections are still pending 6 of 12 sections are ready. Ask for the rest and this song moves up our analysis queue. Request the full analysis
Composition Mick Jagger wrote the song on an acoustic guitar. It was designed to capture the transition from the optimistic 1960s to a more cynical reality. The lyrics reflect the 'Chelsea drug store' scene and the general atmosphere of the era's end. Inspiration: The song was inspired by the shift in London's social and drug culture. Jagger noted it was one of the first times he used a choir to create a 'gospel-soul' feel. The 'Mr. Jimmy' mentioned in the song is widely believed to be producer Jimmy Miller. Recording Studio: Olympic Sound Studios Producer: Jimmy Miller The London Bach Choir features in the opening, arranged by Jack Nitzsche. Al Kooper played the French horn, piano, and organ. The choir originally feared the lyrics were too suggestive but were persuaded to perform by the Stones. Rocky Dijon performed the congas and maracas.
Chord Sheet Transpose 0 Capo 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Auto-scroll Print Copy chords Reset Chords Used Hide functions C I T F IV P Progression by Section Bridge D II D F IV P C I T Chorus C I T F IV P C I T F IV P Verse C I T F IV P C I T F IV P Chord Diagrams D ✕ ✕ F C ✕ Harmony Analysis The song is a masterclass in 'maximalist minimalism.' Harmonically, it is extremely simple, utilizing only three chords (C, F, and D). Its distinctiveness comes from the juxtaposition of this simple I-IV folk/rock structure against a sophisticated arrangement featuring the London Bach Choir and Al Kooper's French horn. The use of the major II chord in the bridge provides the necessary harmonic lift to break the hypnotic loop of the verses. Find Tabs & Chords Songsterr Interactive tabs Ultimate Guitar Chords & tabs Cifra Club Chords
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