Sympathy for the Devil Lyrics – The Rolling Stones

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats the phrase "Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name." Here, the devil is being somewhat ironic, as he's not literally introducing himself but rather acknowledging that people encounter him throughout their lives in various forms of temptation and evil. The devil's true name is not explicitly mentioned, emphasizing the mysterious and deceptive nature of his character....Read More

[Verse 2]
This verse refers to specific historical events, including the Russian Revolution ("St. Petersburg") and the murder of the Russian royal family ("Killed the Tsar and his ministers"). The mention of Anastasia and her scream adds a sense of chaos and violence to these historical references. The devil's involvement in these events suggests that he revels in chaos and destruction. The reference to the Blitzkrieg and the stench of death underscores his association with war and suffering.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the devil's enigmatic nature and his constant presence in human affairs.

[Verse 3]
In this verse, the devil recounts his enjoyment of watching humanity's struggles and conflicts, from the reigns of kings and queens to the assassination of political figures like the Kennedys. He questions who is truly responsible for these acts, suggesting that human nature itself is often the source of evil. The devil presents himself again as a figure of wealth and taste, contrasting his sinister actions with an air of sophistication.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats once more, reinforcing the devil's role as an ever-present but elusive force in human existence.

[Verse 4]
This verse delves into the idea that good and evil are not always clearly defined; they can be intertwined. It compares criminals to cops and sinners to saints, blurring the lines between them. The devil acknowledges his need for restraint, suggesting that even he recognizes the potential consequences of his actions. He urges those who encounter him to show courtesy and sympathy, but it's also a veiled threat: if you don't, your soul may be lost.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats, with a slight variation in the last line, emphasizing that the devil means it when he says he hopes you guess his name.

[Outro]
The outro is a repetition of the chorus with a celebratory and somewhat chaotic musical arrangement. The devil invites the listener to guess his name and suggests that they, too, share some responsibility for the world's troubles. The repetition of "Ooo hoo" and "Ah yeah" adds to the hypnotic and unsettling atmosphere of the song, emphasizing the devil's seductive and deceptive nature.

In summary, "Sympathy for the Devil" is a complex song that explores the idea that evil is an inherent part of human history and nature. It invites listeners to reflect on the nature of good and evil and the role they play in the world's conflicts and tragedies. Mick Jagger's portrayal of the devil as a charismatic but dangerous figure serves as a cautionary tale about the allure of temptation and the consequences of indulging in it. ...Read Less