The Rolling Stones - You Can’t Always Get What You Want

I saw her today at the reception

A glass of wine in her hand

I knew she would meet her connection

At her feet was her footloose man.

  No, you can't always get what you want!

  You can't always get what you want!

  You can't always get what you want!

  But if you try sometime you'll find

  You get what you need!

I went down to the Chelsea drugstore

To get your prescription filled

I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy

And, man, did he look pretty ill

We decided that we would have a soda

My favourite flavour, cherry red

I sung my song to Mr. Jimmy

Yeah, and he said one word to me, and that was "dead"

I said to him.

      Marianne Faithful, who was Mick Jagger's girlfriend, claimed that her drug use was the inspiration for this song. The lyrics reflect on disappointment, desire and the limits of human expectations. Its central message accepts that life rarely provides exactly what we seek, yet unexpected experiences can offer something meaningful. The song contrasts personal frustrations with wider social realities, creating a bittersweet portrait of existence. Its gospel-influenced arrangement gives the chorus a communal, almost spiritual quality.