The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar – 1971

About The Song

“Brown Sugar” is a iconic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1971. It is the opening track and lead single from their album “Sticky Fingers.” Here are five facts about the song:

1. Controversial Lyrics: “Brown Sugar” stirred controversy due to its lyrics, which touch on themes of slavery, racism, and sexual exploitation. The song’s portrayal of these topics sparked debates about its appropriateness, but it also highlighted the band’s willingness to tackle provocative subjects.
2. Slide Guitar Intro: The distinctive opening riff features a slide guitar played by Mick Jagger. This riff, combined with a catchy melody, contributed to the song’s success and made it instantly recognizable.
3. Influence of Blues and Country: “Brown Sugar” reflects The Rolling Stones’ deep-rooted influences in blues and country music. The blend of these genres, coupled with the band’s rock interpretation, showcases their ability to fuse diverse musical styles.
4. First Release on Rolling Stones Records: “Brown Sugar” was the first single released on the band’s own record label, Rolling Stones Records. This marked a significant move for the group toward greater artistic and financial control over their music.
5. Commercial Success: The song was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. It became one of The Rolling Stones’ signature songs and a staple of their live performances, often serving as the opening number in concerts.

“Brown Sugar” remains a controversial yet influential rock classic, showcasing The Rolling Stones’ ability to push boundaries both musically and thematically. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place in rock history.

Video

Lyrics

Gold Coast slave ship bound for cotton fields
Sold in a market down in New Orleans
Scarred old slaver, know he’s doing alright
Hear him whip the women just around midnight

Brown sugar, how come you taste so good?
Brown sugar, just like a young girl should, uh huh

Drums beating, cold English blood runs hot
Lady of the house wond’ring where it’s gonna stop
House boy knows that he’s doing alright
You shoulda heard him just around midnight

Brown sugar, how come you taste so good, now?
Brown sugar, just like a young girl should, now

Ah, get along
Brown sugar, how come you taste so good, babe?
Ah, got me feelin’ now
Brown sugar, just like a black girl should, yeah

Now, I bet your mama was a tent show queen
And all her boyfriends were sweet sixteen
I’m no schoolboy, but I know what I like
You shoulda heard me just around midnight

Brown sugar, how come you taste so good, babe?
Ah, brown sugar, just like a young girl should, yeah

I said yeah, yeah, yeah, woo
How come you, how come you taste so good?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, woo
Just like a, just like a black girl should
Yeah, yeah, yeah, woo