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Released in 1978, Some Girls marked The Rolling Stones' triumphant return to form after a series of albums that saw mixed critical and commercial success. In a period where disco, punk rock, and new wave dominated the music scene, the Stones had to prove they could still stay relevant as aging rockers. They responded with an album that not only solidified their place in the changing landscape but also produced some of their most beloved songs, one of which was "Beast of Burden."
While Some Girls is best known for hits like "Miss You" and "Shattered," "Beast of Burden" stands out as one of the album's highlights for its unique blend of tenderness and grit, showcasing a more vulnerable side of The Rolling Stones. In this review, we'll dive into the song’s lyrical content, musical composition, emotional resonance, and lasting legacy.
Written primarily by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, "Beast of Burden" is a quintessential example of The Rolling Stones’ ability to blend genres and create something timeless. The song is built on a foundation of blues and soul, two styles that have been a core influence on the Stones' music since their inception in the early 1960s. However, with the infusion of rock and a hint of country twang, "Beast of Burden" creates a layered and versatile sound that transcends simple genre classification.
In the late 1970s, the band was navigating a difficult period. Keith Richards was dealing with serious drug addiction issues that threatened to derail the band entirely. Simultaneously, punk rock had exploded in Britain, and the Stones, as elder statesmen of rock, were facing growing pressure to stay relevant. The vulnerability in "Beast of Burden" reflects these personal and professional challenges.
Richards later explained that the song came out of his frustrations and desire to express his loyalty to the band. Interestingly, he described the song as a sort of "thank you" to Mick Jagger for holding the group together during that turbulent time. This context makes the song’s emotional underpinnings all the more significant.
The lyrics of "Beast of Burden" are simple but powerful. On the surface, the song seems like a plea for love, patience, and understanding in the context of a romantic relationship. Jagger sings, "I'll never be your beast of burden / My back is broad, but it's a-hurtin' / All I want is for you to make love to me." In these lines, Jagger paints a picture of a man who has been carrying emotional burdens for too long and is seeking relief.
The phrase "beast of burden" typically refers to an animal, such as a donkey or an ox, used to carry heavy loads. The narrator rejects this role, asserting that he won’t continue to carry the weight of a demanding relationship. Yet, the song isn’t just about defiance or protest; it's a plea for intimacy, as the narrator desires closeness and affection instead of further strain. This duality—rejecting one role while yearning for connection—gives the song emotional complexity.
The line "All your sickness, I can suck it up / Throw it all at me, I can shrug it off" adds another dimension. Here, the narrator offers a temporary reprieve from his weariness, willing to absorb the partner’s problems despite his own pain. This back-and-forth dynamic between self-preservation and self-sacrifice reflects the complicated emotional landscapes of relationships, making the song relatable to listeners.
Though the song’s romantic angle is evident, many fans and critics have also interpreted the lyrics as a metaphor for the band’s internal struggles. Richards, in particular, was dealing with significant personal challenges at the time, and the plea for understanding and patience could easily extend to his bandmates and their fans.
"Beast of Burden" is a musical masterclass in subtlety. The track is not loud or bombastic, yet it’s impossible to ignore. Instead of relying on the sharp, aggressive rock sound for which The Rolling Stones were famous, "Beast of Burden" opts for a more laid-back, groove-oriented approach, allowing the song to breathe and flow naturally. This creates a mellow, bluesy vibe that contrasts sharply with the disco-influenced "Miss You" and the punk-tinged "Shattered" from the same album.
At the core of the song is Keith Richards' guitar work, which is delicate, intricate, and perfectly suited to the song's slow, rolling rhythm. Richards and Ronnie Wood engage in a kind of weaving interplay, a style the two perfected over years of collaboration. Richards plays the role of the foundation, while Wood's lead guitar lines slide effortlessly over the top, adding subtle flourishes that enrich the song’s emotional depth.
Charlie Watts' drumming, as usual, is understated but essential. His steady, restrained beats help maintain the song's relaxed tempo while never overstepping the instrumentation. Bill Wyman’s bass playing complements Watts perfectly, offering a solid backbone without drawing too much attention to itself. Together, the rhythm section creates a laid-back groove that allows Jagger's vocals to take center stage.
Jagger's vocal performance in "Beast of Burden" is equally restrained, but that doesn’t make it any less compelling. His delivery oscillates between vulnerability and swagger, never straying too far into either extreme. This balance allows the song to maintain its emotional complexity. Jagger’s voice, full of longing and sincerity, creates a sense of intimacy, as if he’s speaking directly to the listener.
What makes "Beast of Burden" stand out in the Stones' catalog is its emotional resonance. The Rolling Stones are often known for their swagger, their sex appeal, and their rebellious energy, but "Beast of Burden" offers something different—vulnerability. While songs like "Angie" and "Wild Horses" also showcase the softer side of the band, "Beast of Burden" strikes a particularly tender chord, revealing the exhaustion and emotional turmoil that come with both personal relationships and professional pressures.
In a way, the song’s vulnerability reflects a broader shift in the Stones' music during the late 1970s. Having been the quintessential bad boys of rock 'n' roll for over a decade, they were now confronting the realities of aging, addiction, and the constant demands of fame. "Beast of Burden" is not just about love but about survival—survival of the band, survival of personal relationships, and survival of individual identities amidst it all.
"Beast of Burden" became an instant classic upon its release. Though it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as "Miss You," it remains one of the most beloved songs in The Rolling Stones' catalog. Critics have praised the song for its blend of emotional depth and musical complexity, often citing it as one of the band’s best ballads.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, most notably by Bette Midler, whose 1983 version added a playful twist to the original. However, it’s The Rolling Stones' version that remains iconic, a testament to their ability to blend vulnerability with rock 'n' roll grit.
"Beast of Burden" is a testament to The Rolling Stones' versatility as musicians and songwriters. In a time when they could have easily faded into irrelevance, they delivered a track that combined emotional depth with musical brilliance. The song is a reminder that even rock legends can be vulnerable and that sometimes, the best songs come from the most genuine places of human experience.
While Some Girls features many great tracks, "Beast of Burden" stands out for its emotional resonance and understated beauty. It’s a song that continues to endure, resonating with listeners across generations, and proving that the Rolling Stones were not just kings of rock 'n' roll swagger, but masters of capturing the complexity of the human heart.