Beast of Burden

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some soulful vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "Beast of Burden" by The Rolling Stones from their 1978 album Some Girls. This track, a classic from the Stones’ catalog, carries a rich backstory. Keith Richards, the band’s legendary guitarist, laid the foundation for the song with its soulful chord structure and the iconic phrase “beast of burden.” He tossed the idea to Mick Jagger, who ran with it, improvising many of the verses during the recording sessions at Pathé Marconi Studios in Paris between October and December 1977. Richards later reflected in the liner notes for the 1993 compilation Jump Back that the song came together organically, with Jagger filling in the verses while the band settled into a slower groove after the high-energy tracks of Some Girls. Jagger himself described it as a “soul begging song” and an “attitude song,” not deeply personal but driven by a melodic lick that the band built upon.

The song’s creation wasn’t without its challenges, as the Stones were navigating a turbulent period. In February 1977, Richards and his partner Anita Pallenberg faced drug-related charges in Toronto, casting uncertainty over the band’s future. Richards later shared in a 2012 Mojo interview that “Beast of Burden” was partly a nod to Jagger for “shouldering the burden” during his struggles with addiction. He saw it as a thank-you for keeping the band afloat, with lyrics like “All your sickness, I can suck it up / Throw it all at me, I can shrug it off” reflecting that sentiment. Despite rumors that the song was about a specific woman, Richards debunked this in a Harper’s Bazaar interview, saying it was meant for a broader audience, not just figures like Pallenberg or Marianne Faithfull. He found the fan theories amusing, noting that the song’s meaning was “completely undecodable” even to him.

Musically, “Beast of Burden” stands out for its seamless interplay between Richards and Ronnie Wood, who was recording his first full album as a permanent member of the band. In a promotional interview for Some Girls, Wood explained how their guitar parts naturally wove together, with one playing high notes while the other went low, creating a cohesive sound without rigid lead or rhythm roles. The track’s soulful groove, paired with Charlie Watts’ distinctive off-beat snare hits, gives it a relaxed yet gripping feel. Fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/rollingstones have praised its unique style, with one user calling it “in a league of its own” and recommending the entire Some Girls album for similar vibes. Interestingly, a rare 5:20 version of the song with extra lyrics exists on the eight-track mix of Some Girls, delighting collectors with its alternate verses and Jagger’s extended cooing during the fadeout.

The song also left its mark on pop culture. It was featured in the 1983 horror film Christine, based on Stephen King’s novel, playing as the last track heard by the antagonists before a dramatic scene. In 2003, the Chinese Ministry of Culture banned the Stones from performing “Beast of Burden” during their planned debut in China, likely due to its suggestive lyrics, though the concerts were ultimately canceled due to the SARS outbreak. Another quirky tidbit: Bette Midler covered the song in 1984 for her album No Frills, and the music video featured a playful cameo by Jagger himself, showcasing their chemistry in a flirtatious performance. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its chart success, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its frequent inclusion in Stones’ live sets, with versions recorded during their 1981 and 2002-2003 tours.

Now, let’s rewind to how The Rolling Stones got their start. Formed in London in 1962, the band emerged from the city’s burgeoning blues scene. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, childhood friends who reconnected over their shared love of American blues and R&B, began jamming with guitarist Brian Jones, drummer Charlie Watts, bassist Bill Wyman, and pianist Ian Stewart. Inspired by artists like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry, they started as a covers band, playing gritty blues in clubs like the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond. Their name, taken from a Muddy Waters song, reflected their raw, rebellious ethos. By 1963, they signed with Decca Records under manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who polished their bad-boy image to contrast with The Beatles’ clean-cut appeal. Their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On,” cracked the UK charts, and by 1964, they were releasing original material, with hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” cementing their global fame.

The Stones’ early years were marked by relentless touring and recording, blending blues, rock, and pop into a sound that defined their legacy. Despite lineup changes—Jones left in 1969 and was replaced by Mick Taylor, followed by Ronnie Wood in 1975—the band’s core partnership of Jagger and Richards, known as the Glimmer Twins, kept them rolling. Their ability to evolve, from psychedelic experiments in the ’60s to disco and punk influences in the ’70s, ensured their relevance. Today, they remain a cultural juggernaut, with over 250 million records sold and a reputation as “The World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.” You can keep up with them on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and archival gems. Fans also gather on sites like It’s Only Rock’n Roll and the Rolling Stones Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can dive into discussions about everything from rare bootlegs to favorite live performances.