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IFLTS: 'Sweet Black Angel,' Rolling Stones

'Sweet Black Angel,' Rolling Stones
From 1972's 'Exile on Main St.'

This acoustic, country and blues-tinged track off the widely hailed 'Exile on Main St.,' is one of the best Rolling Stones songs of all time. At first listen, the tune seems a bit racist and derogatory to women, but the song was actually written in defense of political activist Angela Davis, who was accused of murder, kidnapping and conspiracy in 1970.

"She's a sweet black angel/Not a gun toting teacher/Not a Red lovin' school mom/Ain't someone gonna free her/ Free the sweet black slave/Free the sweet black slave," Mick Jagger sings.

Next to the song's subject, the high level of musicality cannot be ignored. The tune starts with a single guitar line, the scratch-scratch of ridged sticks against each other and the hollow sound of claves striking each other. Jagger's oddly pretty voice trickles in before closing with a wailing harmonica. It was a call to arms.


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Ann Marie

amd52 I grew up with the stones and they are no 1 on my hit parade.... i had every album they released until my albums were stolen. these guys are big time. And now a new song will be released plunder my soul which did not mk cut on the exile on main street album... where can i find this song. stones rock are the best. their concerts are one of a kind, been there done that. any advice where i can find this song thanks

April 25 2010 at 8:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dale

I have always liked that song. When I first heard it, I was attracted to the arrangement. Later, I got into the lyrics.

Thanks for the write up.

p.s.
mick looks alot like the late Don Knotts in the picture you have posted with the article..lol

October 15 2008 at 1:19 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply