Sympathy for the Devil - The Rolling Stones
Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones
Sympathy for the Devil is a song by the British rock band The Rolling Stones. Released in 1968 as part of their album "Beggars Banquet," it is one of their most famous and controversial songs. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is an intriguing exploration of the nature of evil, narrated from the perspective of the devil himself. It's known for its samba-like rhythm, haunting lyrics, and distinctive "woo woo" backing vocals.
The Making of the Song
- Learn about the inspiration behind Sympathy for the Devil and how it reflects the cultural and political atmosphere of the 1960s: 1960s Culture, Rock Music History.
- Explore the unique musical elements of the song, including its percussion and the use of different instruments: Musical Instruments in Rock.
Lyrics and Theme Analysis
- Delve into the lyrics of Sympathy for the Devil and its references to historical events: Historical References in Music.
- Understand the themes of good and evil as portrayed in the song: Good and Evil in Music.
Influence and Legacy
- Explore how Sympathy for the Devil has influenced other musicians and its place in rock history: Rock Music Influence.
- Discover the song's impact on popular culture and its various interpretations: Music and Popular Culture.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
Which album features "Sympathy for the Devil"? (Beggars Banquet) (!Sticky Fingers) (!Let It Bleed) (!Exile on Main St.)
What is the primary rhythm style used in "Sympathy for the Devil"? (Samba) (!Blues) (!Rock) (!Jazz)
Who primarily wrote "Sympathy for the Devil"? (Mick Jagger and Keith Richards) (!Brian Jones and Bill Wyman) (!Mick Taylor and Charlie Watts) (!Ian Stewart and Ronnie Wood)
In which year was "Sympathy for the Devil" released? (1968) (!1965) (!1970) (!1972)
What unusual feature is prominent in the backing vocals of "Sympathy for the Devil"? ("Woo woo" sounds) (!Clapping) (!Whistling) (!Harmonica)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is the nationality of The Rolling Stones? (British) (!American) (!Australian) (!Canadian)
Who was the original leader of The Rolling Stones? (Brian Jones) (!Mick Jagger) (!Keith Richards) (!Bill Wyman)
In what year was The Rolling Stones band formed? (1962) (!1958) (!1965) (!1970)
Which of these instruments is not typically associated with The Rolling Stones? (Flute) (!Guitar) (!Drums) (!Bass)
Which member of The Rolling Stones has been knighted? (Sir Mick Jagger) (!Keith Richards) (!Charlie Watts) (!Ronnie Wood)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
Which historical figure is not mentioned in "Sympathy for the Devil"? (Adolf Hitler) (!Jesus Christ) (!Pontius Pilate) (!Anastasia)
What is the Devil's role in the song's lyrics? (Narrator) (!Victim) (!Hero) (!Observer)
What does the Devil ask for in the song? (Courtesy, sympathy, and taste) (!Forgiveness) (!A new world) (!Love)
Which event is referenced in the song as "when after all, it was you and me"? (The Russian Revolution) (!The French Revolution) (!World War I) (!The American Civil War)
In "Sympathy for the Devil," what is the Devil's tone towards humanity? (Sarcastic and accusatory) (!Admiring and respectful) (!Indifferent and distant) (!Fearful and submissive)
Memory
Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic.
| Mick Jagger | Lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones |
| 1968 | Release year of "Sympathy for the Devil" |
| Beggars Banquet | Album featuring "Sympathy for the Devil" |
| Keith Richards | Co-writer of "Sympathy for the Devil" |
| Samba | Primary rhythm style of "Sympathy for the Devil" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a Playlist: Create a playlist of songs from the 1960s that share themes or styles with Sympathy for the Devil.
- Draw a Scene: Illustrate a scene or character described in the lyrics of Sympathy for the Devil.
Standard
- Song Comparison: Compare and contrast Sympathy for the Devil with another Rolling Stones song in terms of theme and musical style.
- Historical Research: Research one of the historical events mentioned in Sympathy for the Devil and present your findings.
Difficult
- Lyric Analysis: Write an essay analyzing the symbolism and thematic depth of Sympathy for the Devil.
- Musical Cover: Create your own cover version of Sympathy for the Devil, incorporating a different musical style.
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Oral Exam
- Influence of Music: Discuss how Sympathy for the Devil reflects the societal and cultural changes of the 1960s.
- Narrative Perspective: Explain the impact of using the Devil as a narrator in a song and its potential meanings.
- Music and Morality: Debate the moral implications of sympathizing with traditionally evil figures in music.
- Historical Context: Analyze how the historical references in the song enhance its message and depth.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare Sympathy for the Devil to a contemporary song that also deals with themes of good and evil.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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