Here on this Rolling Stones Beasts Of Burden page you'll find a collection of demo covers, free chord sheets, rhythm tips and some info on each song. As well there are full lesson tutorials available for purchase for a small fee.
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As Tears Go By is a song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1964 and written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Rolling Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham. The song was originally written for Marianne Faithfull, who recorded the original version a few months before The Rolling Stones released their own version.
The song features a slow and melancholic melody, with lyrics that speak of the passage of time, the regrets of the past, and the fleeting nature of youth. It was a departure from the rock and roll sound for which the Stones were known at the time.
"As Tears Go By" became a hit in the UK and helped establish The Rolling Stones as a more versatile and mature band. It has since become a classic song and has been covered by many artists over the years, including Nancy Sinatra and The Damned.
The track can be found on their Right Tide And Green Grass album.
Beasts Of Burden was released on the Stones 1978 album "Some Girls." The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and has since become one of the band's most beloved and enduring hits.
Musically, "Beast of Burden" features a catchy guitar riff and a laid-back, bluesy feel. Lyrically, the song is a plea from Jagger to his lover, asking her to be there for him during a difficult time. The title of the song, "Beast of Burden," refers to the idea of carrying a heavy load or responsibility, and Jagger sings about how he needs someone to share the burden with him.
"Beast of Burden" was a commercial success for The Rolling Stones, reaching the top ten on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since been covered by numerous artists and has appeared in several films and TV shows.
Everybody Needs Someone To Love was recorded by The Rolling Stones and originally written by Bert Berns, Solomon Burke, and Jerry Wexler. The song was included on The Rolling Stones' 1965 album "The Rolling Stones No. 2."
The song is an up-tempo rhythm and blues track with a prominent horn section and a catchy chorus. The lyrics speak of the universal need for love and companionship, as the title suggests, and the energetic delivery by lead singer Mick Jagger adds to the song's infectiousness.
"Everybody Needs Somebody To Love" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but The Rolling Stones' version remains one of the most beloved. The song has been used in several films and TV shows, including "The Blues Brothers," where it was performed by the film's stars, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
In addition to its musical qualities, "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love" is notable for being one of the first songs to feature Keith Richards on lead guitar. Richards' guitar work on the track has been praised by fans and critics alike, and the song remains a staple of The Rolling Stones' live shows.
Good Times Bad Times hails from the album "12 x 5," which was released in 1964.
With its pulsating beat and infectious guitar hooks, the song exudes an upbeat rock and roll vibe. The energetic performance by Mick Jagger and the band, combined with the song's infectious melody, make it a fan favorite.
While the song is not as well-known as some of The Rolling Stones' other hits, it remains a beloved deep cut among fans and is still occasionally performed live by the band.
Honky Tonk Woman is a classic rock and roll song by The Rolling Stones, released as a single in 1969. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
The lyrics of "Honky Tonk Women" tell the story of a wild and free-spirited woman who frequents honky tonk bars and leaves a trail of heartbreak in her wake. Mick Jagger's vocals on the track perfectly capture the character's unapologetic attitude and free-spiritedness.
The song was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of The Rolling Stones' most famous and beloved hits, and remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
In addition to its musical qualities, "Honky Tonk Women" is notable for being one of the first songs to feature Mick Taylor on guitar, who had recently replaced Brian Jones in the band. Taylor's bluesy guitar work on the track adds to the song's infectious energy and remains a highlight of the band's live performances.
This one hails from the album "Through The Past Darkly Big Hits Vol 2".
It's All Over Now was originally written and recorded by Bobby Womack. The Rolling Stones' version was released in 1964 as a single and appeared on their album "12 x 5."
The song speaks of a failed romance and the pain of heartbreak. Mick Jagger's vocals perfectly capture the emotional weight of the lyrics, making the song a fan favorite and a classic example of the early rock and roll sound.
The Rolling Stones' version of "It's All Over Now" was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It was also one of the first songs to showcase the band's bluesy sound and established them as one of the leading bands of the British Invasion.
Over the years the song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Grateful Dead, Rod Stewart, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Jumpin Jack Flash was released in 1968 as a single and later included on the groups album "Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2)." The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
The song's unique guitar pattern and the dynamic vocal performance from Jaggar showcases a distinctive and energetic sound. According to Keith Richards, the song's riff was inspired by a thunderstorm he heard while staying at guitarist Brian Jones' house.
The lyrics of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" have been interpreted in various ways over the years, but they're generally seen as a defiant statement of individuality and rebellion. The song's protagonist, Jumpin' Jack Flash, is described as a mysterious and elusive figure who represents the spirit of rock and roll.
The track has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it's been featured in several films and TV shows. It's widely considered one of the Rolling Stones' signature songs, and it continues to be a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
Miss You was released in 1978 from the Stones album "Some Girls." The song was written by Mick Jagger and features him on lead vocals, with a disco-influenced rhythm section and a prominent harmonica solo by Sugar Blue.
"Miss You" was a departure from the band's earlier blues-based rock sound and was influenced by the disco and funk music that was popular at the time. Despite some initial skepticism from fans, the song became a massive hit and reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The lyrics of "Miss You" describe the feelings of loneliness and longing for a lost love. Jagger's vocals are delivered in a falsetto style and convey a sense of vulnerability and desperation.
"Miss You" remains one of the Rolling Stones' most popular songs and is often included in their live performances. It has also been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Tina Turner and Eric Clapton.
Out Of Control from the Rolling Stones was released in 1998 on their album "Bridges to Babylon." The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
"Out of Control" is a hard-driving rock song with a powerful rhythm section. The lyrics describe the feeling of being consumed by desire and losing control, with Jagger's vocals conveying a sense of urgency and intensity.
The song was well-received by fans and critics and has since become a fan favorite. It has been performed live by the Rolling Stones numerous times, and a live version was included on their 1998 concert film "Bridges to Babylon Tour '97–98."
The track is an example of the Rolling Stones' ability to continue to produce high-quality rock music well into their career. Despite being formed in the early 1960s, the band has continued to evolve and adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining their signature sound and style.
The song peaked at #51 in the UK and #12 in Poland.
Out Of Time is a song by the Rolling Stones, released in 1975 on their album "Metamorphosis." The song was originally recorded during the sessions for their 1966 album "Aftermath," but it was not included on the album.
"Out of Time" is a mid-tempo ballad with a soulful, R&B-inspired sound. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and features a prominent horn section and backing vocals by the Sweet Inspirations.
The lyrics of "Out of Time" describe the end of a romantic relationship and the feelings of regret and nostalgia that come with it. Jagger's vocals are emotive and convey a sense of vulnerability and heartbreak.
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Chris Farlowe, who had a hit with his version in the UK in 1966. The Rolling Stones' version on "Metamorphosis" features a different arrangement and is considered a classic example of the band's ability to blend different musical genres and styles.
Paint It Black was released in 1966 as a single and later included on the album "Aftermath." The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and features Brian Jones on sitar.
"Paint It Black" is known for its distinctive, steady rhythm and haunting melody, as well as its innovative use of the sitar in a rock song. The lyrics describe the singer's despair and darkness after the death of his lover, with the phrase "paint it black" representing his desire to cover up and hide his grief.
The song was a major hit for the Rolling Stones, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It has since become one of the band's most popular and enduring songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
Ruby Tuesday is a popular song by the Rolling Stones, released as a single in 1967. The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and is widely regarded as one of their most popular and enduring songs.
The lyrics of "Ruby Tuesday" tell the story of a free-spirited woman who refuses to be tied down by anyone or anything. The song has a melancholic tone and reflects on the transience of life, as the narrator ponders the fleeting nature of relationships and the passing of time.
Musically, "Ruby Tuesday" is a folk-influenced ballad featuring a prominent acoustic guitar riff, a string arrangement, and Jagger's distinctive vocals. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a staple of classic rock radio.
"Ruby Tuesday" was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on both the UK and US charts. It is widely considered to be one of the Rolling Stones' greatest songs and has been included on several of the band's greatest hits albums as well as the album "Between The Buttons".
The Last Time was a 1965 single and later included on their album "Out of Our Heads."
"The Last Time" is a classic example of the Rolling Stones' early rock and roll sound. The lyrics describe a man warning his partner that he will not tolerate her infidelity any longer, and the sense of urgency and determination in Jagger's vocals add to the song's power and intensity.
"The Last Time" was a major hit for the Rolling Stones, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 9 in the US. It has since become one of the band's most beloved and enduring songs, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
The song is notable for its influence on other artists, particularly in the development of punk rock. The riff and rhythm of "The Last Time" were later used in the song "This Is Radio Clash" by the Clash, and the song's lyrics have been referenced in songs by other punk and post-punk bands.
Time Is On My Side was originally recorded by the jazz trombonist Kai Winding in 1963 and later covered by the Stones in 1964 for their album "12 x 5." The song was written by Jerry Ragovoy, under the pseudonym of Norman Meade.
The Rolling Stones' version of "Time Is on My Side" features a slower, more soulful arrangement, with Mick Jagger's vocals and organ playing at the forefront. The song's lyrics describe a man who is confident that time is on his side and that he will eventually win back his lover's affection.
"Time Is on My Side" was a moderate hit for the Rolling Stones, reaching No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's popularity helped to establish the band's reputation in the United States and set the stage for their subsequent success.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Irma Thomas, the Moody Blues, and the Who. The Stones themselves have also performed the song many times in concert throughout their career.
This single did not chart in the UK market.
Under My Thumb was never released as a single but was a popular concert song and appeared on the 1966 album "Aftermath". This was during the time when Brian Jones was still a member of the group.
The lyrics describe a man who has gained control over a woman who had previously been independent and strong-willed, with the phrase "under my thumb" representing his dominance over her.
The song was controversial for its depiction of women and the idea of male control, but it has also been interpreted as a commentary on the power dynamics in relationships more broadly.
The song has that classic Rolling Stones' mid-60s sound and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the Who, Tina Turner, and Social Distortion. The song's influence can also be heard in the music of later bands, particularly in the realm of punk and post-punk.
You Can't Always Get What You Want is a great tune that never charted in the UK and barely made the top 40 in the US when it was released in 1973.
The song's lyrics describe the struggles and disappointments of everyday life, while also emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
The song has become one of the Rolling Stones' most enduring hits, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Aretha Franklin, U2, and Bon Jovi.
It was also famously used as the closing song at the 1969 Altamont Free Concert, where it played as a counterpoint to the violence and chaos that had erupted during the Stones' set. The song has since become associated with the turbulent political and cultural climate of the late 1960s.