You Can’t Always Get What You Want

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track "You Can’t Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones from their 1969 album Let It Bleed, and Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with some fascinating stories behind this song. One standout feature is the involvement of the London Bach Choir, whose 60-voice contribution, arranged by Jack Nitzsche, opens the song with a majestic, almost hymn-like quality. Initially, the choir was hesitant about being associated with the Stones’ provocative image and requested their name be removed from the album credits, only to later retract that request. Another memorable moment came during the recording of the song, when Al Kooper, who played piano, organ, and French horn, recalled Brian Jones showing up to the studio but being too disengaged to contribute, lying on the floor reading a botany article instead. The song’s lyrical depth, addressing love, politics, and drugs—key themes of the 1960s—has also been highlighted in posts on X, with users noting its philosophical resonance and timeless message of finding what you need despite not getting what you want. The track was first performed at the 1968 Rock and Roll Circus, as shared in a 2020 post by Rolling Stone magazine, with an audience that included legends like John Lennon and Eric Clapton, adding to its storied legacy.

The creation of "You Can’t Always Get What You Want" was steeped in the chaotic energy of 1969, which the song captures with its blend of grandeur and gritty realism. Recorded between November 1968 and October 1969 at Olympic Studios in London and Elektra Studios in Los Angeles, it was one of the last tracks to feature Brian Jones, who played percussion on "Midnight Rambler" but was absent for much of the album due to his struggles with drug addiction. The song’s apocalyptic undertones, as noted in a 2019 Rolling Stone article, mirror the darker side of the era, with its themes of compromise and survival resonating even today. Merry Clayton’s powerful backing vocals, recorded in a late-night session, nearly stole the show, with her raw energy complementing Mick Jagger’s introspective delivery. Fans on X have celebrated the song’s enduring relevance, pointing out its role as the closer on Let It Bleed, released just before the infamous Altamont Free Concert, where the Stones’ performance was marred by violence, including the murder of Meredith Hunter.

The Rolling Stones began their journey in London in 1962, rooted in a shared passion for blues and early rock and roll. The original lineup—Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Brian Jones (multi-instrumentalist), Bill Wyman (bass), Charlie Watts (drums), and Ian Stewart (keyboards)—came together under Jones’ leadership, with the band named after a Muddy Waters song. They started by playing covers of American blues and R&B artists like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, performing in small clubs around London. Their big break came in 1963 when manager Andrew Loog Oldham took over, pushing them to write original material and cultivating their rebellious image as a contrast to the clean-cut Beatles. Their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s "Come On," reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart, despite the band’s reluctance to perform it live. By 1964, they were at the forefront of the British Invasion, with hits like "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" cementing their global fame. The Jagger-Richards songwriting partnership soon became the band’s creative core, though Jones’ innovative instrumentation, including sitar and dulcimer, shaped early albums like Aftermath.

The band’s evolution wasn’t without challenges. Brian Jones’ drug addiction and legal troubles led to his marginalization, and he was fired in 1969, replaced by Mick Taylor, who added a harder rock edge. Despite personal and cultural upheavals, the Stones’ ability to channel raw energy into music kept them relevant, with albums like Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers defining their peak. Over six decades, they’ve released over 20 studio albums, with their latest, Hackney Diamonds (2023), proving their staying power. You can follow their updates on their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour dates, archival photos, and new music. Fans can dive deeper into the Stones’ world through sites like It’s Only Rock’n Roll (IORR), a fan-run hub with tour news and forums, or join discussions in The Rolling Stones Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memorabilia and concert experiences.