Skip to content
TrueNorthBriefQuick, clear answers for curious Canadians
Culture

Sympathy For The Devil

What is sympathy for the devil?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Artist The Rolling Stones[3]
Release year 1968[3]
Narrator The Devil[3]
Lyric focus Historical atrocities[3]
Controversy Perceived pro-Satanic stance[2]

Sympathy for the Devil is a 1968 Rolling Stones song written from the Devil's first-person perspective, with lyrics that claim responsibility for historical atrocities and ask listeners to consider his point of view [3]. It is commonly read as a critique of humanity's own capacity for evil, not as devil worship [1].

Context

Sympathy for the Devil is a 1968 Rolling Stones song that presents the Devil as the narrator, claiming responsibility for historical atrocities [3]. The title asks listeners to consider the Devil's perspective, but the song is widely interpreted as a commentary on human evil rather than a pro-Satanic message [1]. The band clarified this after the song sparked controversy for its perceived devil-worshipping stance [2].

Documented claims

  • The song is written from the first-person perspective of Satan, who claims responsibility for historical atrocities [3].
  • The band clarified that the song was not meant as devil worship [2].
  • The title can be read as a request to understand the Devil's point of view [1].

Questions and answers

What is the meaning behind Sympathy for the Devil?

The song is written from the Devil's perspective, asking listeners to consider his point of view while critiquing humanity's capacity for evil [1].

Was Sympathy for the Devil controversial?

Yes, it was perceived as having a pro-Satanic stance, but the band clarified it was not meant as devil worship [2].

Who originally did the song Sympathy for the Devil?

The Rolling Stones originally performed and released the song in 1968 [3].

Sources

  1. 悪魔を哀れむ歌 哀れまれるのはどっち？｜Exodus from Ennui — note.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil Lyrics & Meanings — songmeanings.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" Lyrics Meaning - Song Meanings and Facts — songmeaningsandfacts.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture