About the song
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” stands as one of the quintessential tracks in rock history, crafted by the legendary English rock band, The Rolling Stones. Released in June 1965, this song marks a seminal moment in both the band’s career and the evolution of rock music. Conceived through the songwriting prowess of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the track features one of the most iconic guitar riffs ever recorded, a creation of Richards that dominates the song and drives its infectious energy. This riff is frequently celebrated as one of the greatest hooks in the annals of popular music.
The song’s lyrics, filled with themes of sexual frustration and scathing criticism of commercialism, struck a chord with listeners worldwide. Jagger’s lyrics reflect a cynical disillusionment with modern society’s obsession with consumerism and superficiality, expressed through a mix of biting commentary and raw emotion. The line “I can’t get no satisfaction” resonated deeply, both for its relatable frustration and its rebellious tone.
Initially, the song faced resistance in the UK due to its suggestive content, leading to its initial ban from mainstream radio play. Despite this, “Satisfaction” achieved monumental success, becoming The Rolling Stones’ first number one hit in the United States and later their fourth number one in the UK. Its impact was such that it has since been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2006.
The recording process of “Satisfaction” is almost as legendary as the song itself. Keith Richards famously conceived the song’s riff in his sleep, capturing it on a Philips cassette player without initially realizing its significance. This initial recording, complete with a backdrop of Richards’ snoring, became a serendipitous gem that would come to define a generation.
Despite its origins in a rough demo, the song was meticulously re-recorded, first at Chess Studios in Chicago and then at RCA Studios in Hollywood. The final version, featuring a distinctive fuzz tone, was a revolutionary sound at the time and played a key role in the success of the track. The iconic riff and the song’s powerful commentary on commercialism and personal dissatisfaction have made it a perennial favorite in the Rolling Stones’ repertoire and a staple in rock music history.
Over the decades, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” has been consistently celebrated, frequently appearing on lists of the greatest songs of all time, including Rolling Stone magazine’s ranking of the top 500 songs. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its profound impact on both music and culture, capturing the zeitgeist of its era while continuing to resonate with new generations.
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Lyrics
I can’t get no satisfaction
I can’t get no satisfaction
‘Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I can’t get no, I can’t get no
When I’m drivin’ in my car
And the man comes on the radio
He’s tellin’ me more and more
About some useless information
Supposed to drive my imagination
I can’t get no, oh no, no, no
Hey, hey, hey, that’s what I say
I can’t get no satisfaction
I can’t get no satisfaction
‘Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I can’t get no, I can’t get no
When I’m watchin’ my TV
And a man comes on and tells me
How white my shirts can be
But he can’t be a man ’cause he doesn’t smoke
The same cigarettes as me
I can’t get no, oh no, no, no
Hey, hey, hey, that’s what I say
I can’t get no satisfaction
I can’t get no girl reaction
‘Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I can’t get no, I can’t get no
When I’m ridin’ ’round the world
And I’m doin’ this and I’m signing that
And I’m tryin’ to make some girl
Who tells me baby better come back, maybe next week
‘Cause you see I’m on a losing streak
I can’t get no, oh no, no, no
Hey, hey, hey, that’s what I say
I can’t get no, I can’t get no
I can’t get no satisfaction, no satisfaction
No satisfaction, no satisfaction
I can’t get no