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The Rolling Stones — Rocks Off
Album: Exile On Main Street
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1713









Released: 1972
Length: 4:23
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I hear you talking when I'm on the street,
Your mouth don't move but I can hear you speak.
What's the matter with the boy?
He don't come around no more,
Is he checking out for sure?
Is he gonna close the door on me?

I'm always hearing voices on the street,
I want to shout, but I can't hardly speak.
I was making love last night
To a dancer friend of mine.
I can't seem to stay in step,
'Cause she come ev'ry time that she pirouettes over me.

And I only get my rocks off while I'm dreaming,
I only get my rocks off while I'm sleeping.

I'm zipping through the days at lightning speed.
Plug in, flush out and fire the fuckin' feed.
Heading for the overload,
Splattered on the dirty road,
Kick me like you've kicked before,
I can't even feel the pain no more.

But I only get my rocks off while I'm dreaming,
I only get my rocks off while I'm sleeping.

Feel so hypnotized, can't describe the scene.
Feel so mesmerized all that inside me.
The sunshine bores the daylights out of me.
Chasing shadows moonlight mystery.
Headed for the overload,
Splattered on the dirty road,
Kick me like you've kicked before,
I can't even feel the pain no more.

But I only get my rocks off while I'm dreaming,
I only get my rocks off while I'm sleeping.
Comments (178)add comment
love these lyrics!
Side One.

Epic.
GREAT TUNE!!  "Rip Tihs Joint"  is my favorite tune from this album!  Thanx RP!   
Detroit 1969 or 1970.  Stones at Cobo Hall.  20,000 kids including myself.  "Let It Bleed" still new.  Mick singing "Midnight Rambler".  When he gets to "Did you hear about the Boston Strangler?" he's on his knees at the front of the stage.  Single spotlight on him, the rest of the stage dark.  As he sings "strangler" he slams what I think is a wide belt of some kind on the floor.  Keith, Mick Taylor and Charlie play an accompanying beat that sounds like a deep animal roar.  Amazing stuff.
Can it be 50 years?
Nicky Hopkins!
 bam23 wrote:


I was there. It was the only time I have seen the Stones and they were, for me, disappointing. They played for about 45 minutes at very high volume, rushing through their set, then it was over. On the other hand, Stevie Wonder was a revelation. I had never really paid any attention to his music and felt that his performance was much superior to the Stones. This show probably misled me about the Stones, because later evidence tells me that their shows could be great. Just not the one I attended. Tickets were $6 I believe.



I was there too. I remember the Stones as being GREAT! Stevie was GODLIKE!
GREAT TUNE!!!
 eileenomurphy wrote:

ICONIC! ...I saw them in 1972 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. Stevie Wonder was the opening act!!! ...talk about a GREAT SHOW!!!!!!!!



I was there. It was the only time I have seen the Stones and they were, for me, disappointing. They played for about 45 minutes at very high volume, rushing through their set, then it was over. On the other hand, Stevie Wonder was a revelation. I had never really paid any attention to his music and felt that his performance was much superior to the Stones. This show probably misled me about the Stones, because later evidence tells me that their shows could be great. Just not the one I attended. Tickets were $6 I believe.
Man what are our kids going to do with us when we get old?  
Going out in a big way I suspect.
ICONIC! ...I saw them in 1972 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. Stevie Wonder was the opening act!!! ...talk about a GREAT SHOW!!!!!!!!
Probably the best album opener in Stones history, even though Start Me Up & Gimme' Shelter are more famous cuts.
Great opening song to an incredible album. Kinda sets the table for the rest of the greatness to come!
Stop me if I've told this one before. I'm not a big Stones fan, but this album holds a special place in my memories.

When I was a teenager, a friend of my parents hired me to babysit her grandson to run some energy off of him every day for a few weeks while he was staying with her. We'd ride our bikes to the park and watch the same puppet show then ride back.

Cool grandma lent me her copy of Exile and I really think it is peak Stones. They injected themselves into my space/time and that is a lot of what music is about.
 Actuel wrote:
I hate this band
 
H8
One of those albums that requires an amp that goes to 11`.
 Montreal_Mort wrote:
C’mon folks - this is an easy 10 !!
I'm willing to help nudge the rating up with an 8, but I'm a bit particular about my 10's

C’mon folks - this is an easy 10 !!
Can't go lower than a 10 for this!

Definition in the dictionary as an example of Rock and Roll !!!!!!!!!

 = 

 
In 1972, during the tour for this album, I saw them at the Spectrum in Philadelphia! ...Stevie Wonder was the opening act!  ...Our seats were "side stage", stage left, 17 rows away from the stage. .....TOTALLY KILLER SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
 On_The_Beach wrote:

https://rpmlifeinanalog.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/mickpout72.jpg


 

That's a Rooster strut!  A little red rooster.
The bare essence of rock n roll is distilled nicely
on this track from "Exile..." I give it a "9"...excellent
 dogdokken wrote:
On_The_Beach wrote:
I'd say the 4 essential Stones albums are: 1) Let it Bleed 2) Exile on Main St. 3) Sticky Fingers 4) Beggars Banquet
Better add Some Girls to that list.
 

1, 2 & 3 
It comes down to the basic two elements of every good RnR song: energy and freedom . 
 sfyi2001 wrote:
Saw the Stones last night here in Seattle at Century Link Field.
It was phenomenal, and I have been to their shows since 1978.
Great crowd - young, old and everything in between
The sound was fantastic, and the life-like resolution on those Big screens is phenomenal.
Jagger is without peer. Didn't  run 12 miles as he has on average per show the last 20 years - was more deliberate, still very active, just not at such a frenetic pace. 
You'd think it was Wood's Band, as well as he performs. And very atune to the crowd - smiling and gesturing -and  played great, on all of his guitars
Keith was stoic, and rock solid with his signature riffs. No smokey, no drinkey, very little animation - just blood & guts Rock and Roll - The sound he had from his Gibson single pick-up Les Pauls was unbelievable,  just absolutely blew the place up - He played them on Sympathy and Midnight Rambler.
I don't know how Charlie does what he does for over two hours. Love that guy. He walked out onto the stage when Mick got to him in the 'introductions', and a packed stadium went nuts for a good minute, and he is so humble about it, almost embarrassed, which made everyone show their appreciation for him even more.
These guys, this Band, have been the Musical Major for me in life, since 1974, and it was a pleasure to see them last night, performing as great as they did.
I daresay that had the authors of  most of the negative bullshit in the comments here, been there, that they would have a more favorable impression of The Rolling Stones today.
Long live the Greatest Band in the History of Rock Music.
The standard by which all others will be judged.
 
HEAR HEAR!  Great post dude
Charlie Watts - just incredible.
Saw the Stones last night here in Seattle at Century Link Field.
It was phenomenal, and I have been to their shows since 1978.
Great crowd - young, old and everything in between
The sound was fantastic, and the life-like resolution on those Big screens is phenomenal.
Jagger is without peer. Didn't  run 12 miles as he has on average per show the last 20 years - was more deliberate, still very active, just not at such a frenetic pace. 
You'd think it was Wood's Band, as well as he performs. And very atune to the crowd - smiling and gesturing -and  played great, on all of his guitars
Keith was stoic, and rock solid with his signature riffs. No smokey, no drinkey, very little animation - just blood & guts Rock and Roll - The sound he had from his Gibson single pick-up Les Pauls was unbelievable,  just absolutely blew the place up - He played them on Sympathy and Midnight Rambler.
I don't know how Charlie does what he does for over two hours. Love that guy. He walked out onto the stage when Mick got to him in the 'introductions', and a packed stadium went nuts for a good minute, and he is so humble about it, almost embarrassed, which made everyone show their appreciation for him even more.
These guys, this Band, have been the Musical Major for me in life, since 1974, and it was a pleasure to see them last night, performing as great as they did.
I daresay that had the authors of  most of the negative bullshit in the comments here, been there, that they would have a more favorable impression of The Rolling Stones today.
Long live the Greatest Band in the History of Rock Music.
The standard by which all others will be judged.


since that days still haven't any nuts..
 Actuel wrote:
I hate this band
 
WE and they don't give a f***
work of art
I hate this band
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Well, Gwen Stefani is kinda cool, but I wouldn't say No Doubt are the greatest rock band in the world.
 

More old school No Doubt on RP please
pure rock and roll
 LCC0256 wrote:
The greatest Rock n Roll band in the world....no doubt
 
Well, Gwen Stefani is kinda cool, but I wouldn't say No Doubt are the greatest rock band in the world.
The greatest Rock n Roll band in the world....no doubt
 
i'm a huge, huge RS fan. and this may be my favorite song of theirs.

thanks for playing it, bill!



  "I was makin' love last night -
   To a dancer friend o' mine -
    I can't seem to stay in step,
     Cum every time she pirouettes o'er meeee" 
.

.

{#Guitarist} I cant even feel the pain no more ! great song great double album was a great freakin tour as well ! keep rocking
 Lindo525 wrote:
I'm "chicken struttin" around my cubicle!!!!
 
https://rpmlifeinanalog.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/mickpout72.jpg


 Lindo525 wrote:
I'm "chicken struttin" around my cubicle!!!!

 
Nice!  Be sure and watch the arm-flappin' to be respectful to your neighbors.
 justin4kick wrote:
Makes me wonder. Did the Stones ever think twice about this song or any song whether or not to put on a record?

 
Nope.  They always knew what they had right when they had it. The Stones have been straight-ahead, don't-look-back, since day one. 

They left your kind of wondering to those that don't create and have too much time on their hands.
 DanFHiggins wrote:
WHEW HEW    {#Jump}

A totally awesome song off a totally awesome album
I believe I have worn out a couple lps, many cassettes, and a couple of cd's.

I LOVE THIS SHIT 

I don't care if I never outgrow this

 
what he said
Love the Stones!  {#Bananajam}
Always liked Keith's nasal, punky vocals! I could be alone in that sentiment.
Makes me wonder. Did the Stones ever think twice about this song or any song whether or not to put on a record?
great song despite Mick's "creaky voice/vocal fry" halfway through

https://youtu.be/Ff1JByylQU0
yeah, and Bill deals another one!
Killer       10

Don't like The Stones, boring music...


WHEW HEW    {#Jump}

A totally awesome song off a totally awesome album
I believe I have worn out a couple lps, many cassettes, and a couple of cd's.

I LOVE THIS SHIT 

I don't care if I never outgrow this
 ScottN wrote:
I've said it before I guess...but jeez 20 or 30 of the most iconic R&R songs and then they can dust off a "B" side that is merely great.
FIFTY years. Past their prime?  No doubt.  Consummate entertainers?  Also no doubt. Money grubbers? Sure, they are not alone there.  Fifity years is what sets them apart, along with being very, very talented and working well as a band. 

I hope there is a 2012 tour or some suitable band activity that celebrates their endurance. 
 
Summer 2015 is happening.   
I'm "chicken struttin" around my cubicle!!!!
love!
Bliss.
Great Song to kick off a Great Album.  My Favorite Stones Album!!
{#Bananajam}SENSATIONAL STONES  {#Dancingbanana}
IMHO the stones at their best, the backing is just superb, brass in particular.
I second the comment below - Crossfire Hurricane is an excellent documentary - must see for any Stones fan.  
The track list isn't correct

 
kingart wrote:
This song is not on the album's track titles RP has here.  
 


This song is not on the album's track titles RP has here.  
I would shred the AAC of FLAC feed if I could.
 

gypsyman wrote:

Have to admit, this is probably in their top 3. Got it when it came out, and listened to it until the vinyl shredded.

 


 d48m02h1918 wrote:
What a way to start off the best album (in my humble opinion) by these chaps......

Folks, check out the new documentary 'Crossfire Hurricane'.  You won't regret it.....!! {#Cheers} 
 
Have to admit, this is probably in their top 3. Got it when it came out, and listened to it until the vinyl shredded.
What a way to start off the best album (in my humble opinion) by these chaps......

Folks, check out the new documentary 'Crossfire Hurricane'.  You won't regret it.....!! {#Cheers} 
 spij wrote:
If something is to be called rock and roll, it's this
 
Word.
Great opener from their best album. Sunshine bores the daylights out of me!
Rocks on!
 gemtag wrote:
mute
 



That's simply insulting.
What a fantastic piece of music!  People who don't like the Stones won't get it, but this is what rock n roll is about!  From the opening chords you know this song kicks ass!  Great lyrics, fantastic bass and drums driving the song to that great ending with the horn section playing an infectious refrain, and Mick Taylor's truncated solo at the very end of the song!  Why didn't they add more of it?  One of my favorite songs ever!
Epic rock and roll. They could crank it out when music had some depth.
The boys from Dartford done good.
 treatment_bound wrote:
Yup!   "The sunshine bores the daylights out of me" too, but I still seem to spend most of my time in daylight these days. Yawn.

I've forever been mesmerized by the photo on the inner sleeve of "Exile" where Mick & Keef are singing vocal overdubs while sharing a bottle of Jack Daniels.  It hit me hard that rock stars ARE WAY DIFFERENT than you and me (at least on the job).

  

Well, all I have is this tiny webcam mike. Other than that, not sure what you mean...{#Ask}{#Drunk}
Tickle those ivories Nicky!

mute
I've said it before I guess...but jeez 20 or 30 of the most iconic R&R songs and then they can dust off a "B" side that is merely great.
FIFTY years. Past their prime?  No doubt.  Consummate entertainers?  Also no doubt. Money grubbers? Sure, they are not alone there.  Fifity years is what sets them apart, along with being very, very talented and working well as a band. 

I hope there is a 2012 tour or some suitable band activity that celebrates their endurance. 

I hear Keith's guitar and remember why I was a stone Stone's fan all the way back in '65!
Bandwidth is good !  {#Bananajam}
Godlike, man, godlike!!!

THIS IS ROCK AND ROLL RADIO!!!!!!!
How about that drummer?

And the famous line: "Headin' for an overload. . . "

First heard this in a cafe in Marrakesh. Still feels exciting and dangerous!
Oh, geez - I haven't heard this in SO long - dancing... (glad I don't have a webcam - it'd be pretty ugly viewing...) Thanks to whoever uploaded this track, and to those who voted for it. It's a little bit of quicksilver in a river of mud.  Don't ask - I couldn't explain, even if I knew what it meant... {#Daisy}
The bonus tracks included with the remastered Exile that was released a couple of months back are great. Well worth the price.
I love it—and Jagger even sings underwater!  Gets a 9 from me—
I usually like the Stones, but not this one.
 RParadise wrote:
I love the way Jagger gets his vocals to run from that bored sounding lagging-behind-the-beat mode to full throttle rock bellow in such a short space on this tune.
 
Great point.  Lead off for one of the great mix tapes for a trip to the Jersey Shore circa 1976.  "The sunshine bores the daylights out of me."

I love the way Jagger gets his vocals to run from that bored sounding lagging-behind-the-beat mode to full throttle rock bellow in such a short space on this tune.
Great segue from Magic Numbers - Forever Lost; so nice that it made me go back and up my rating for that one!
 Clif wrote:
According to Rolling Stone number 7. https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time/ 1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles
2. Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys 3. Revolver, The Beatles 4. Highway 61 Revisited, Bob Dylan 5. Rubber Soul, The Beatles 6. What's Going On, Marvin Gaye 7. Exile on Main Street, The Rolling Stones 8. London Calling, The Clash 9. Blonde on Blonde, Bob Dylan 10. The Beatles ("The White Album"), The Beatles
 
Um....how do they decide this....? Dylan's in twice....... LOL.

Love it! {#Dancingbanana}

 woozurbuddy wrote:
What a way to get your morning going!  A "10" from a "10" album, Exile on Main Street!

{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}
 
Absolute agreement, great album!

If something is to be called rock and roll, it's this
 lily34 wrote:
oh HELL YEAH.
 
you're DAM RIGHT.
Rocked my socks off!
Someone is on a roll with the music, please more songs like these last 4 and MUCH less sedative bring the energy down stuff (although this is very good, just sometimes too much), especially in the off-peak hours :P Great job, Thx.

Only when he is sleeping?
Yup!   "The sunshine bores the daylights out of me" too, but I still seem to spend most of my time in daylight these days. Yawn.

I've forever been mesmerized by the photo on the inner sleeve of "Exile" where Mick & Keef are singing vocal overdubs while sharing a bottle of Jack Daniels.  It hit me hard that rock stars ARE WAY DIFFERENT than you and me (at least on the job).

oh HELL YEAH.
very smooth transition from The Magic Numbers. Had I blinked I may have missed it.

well done, I say
A good effort
queenjill wrote:
Looking ahead to what, KC and the Sunshine Band? That's just crazy talk.
My favorite comment of the week LOL
eskles wrote:
Actually, Exile was the first sign that the Stones were beginning to become irrelevant for those who were looking ahead and not in the past.
Looking ahead to what, KC and the Sunshine Band? That's just crazy talk.
thanks for playing this tune. it's been years since i heard "exile on main street". it brings a flood of memories...
bfandreas wrote:
I say! Gil Scott-Heron back to back with Beethoven joined by the Pixies, any David Bowie record known to man catting away with Procol Harum while Shivaree is flirting with the Beasty Boys and The Man in Black absolves them all of their follies. An man standing on one leg in the corner while playing his flute.
A(nother) German after my own heart
I always considered this to be their best album. To me, Beggars Banquet, Sticky Fingers and Let iIt Bleed were close seconds followed by Some Girls.
yes the album is great but this song, .. .please, just cuz it's the stones don't mean shit!
Love it. it's a 10 and up
rocco1207 wrote:
I'd go ahead and put it at Number #1. Who can seriously listen to Pepper over and over again without wanting to skip most of it like Lovely Rita?
Silence your blasphemous tongue!!!
exile!!
Could be the best RS song!
LOVE those god damn horns!!
Was it just me or did that song shift into the right channel in the last minute of the song? All of a sudden it felt like the whole world was listing to one side. I don't think its my speakers, the next song (Kings of Leon - Knocked Up) is fine.
lionirons wrote:
This album has to rate in the top five rock albums of all time.
I'd go ahead and put it at Number #1. Who can seriously listen to Pepper over and over again without wanting to skip most of it like Lovely Rita?
lionirons wrote:
This album has to rate in the top five rock albums of all time.
According to Rolling Stone number 7. https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time/ 1. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles 2. Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys 3. Revolver, The Beatles 4. Highway 61 Revisited, Bob Dylan 5. Rubber Soul, The Beatles 6. What's Going On, Marvin Gaye 7. Exile on Main Street, The Rolling Stones 8. London Calling, The Clash 9. Blonde on Blonde, Bob Dylan 10. The Beatles ("The White Album"), The Beatles
This album has to rate in the top five rock albums of all time.
...and one day I will inherit a first print of The Beatles Revolver. Life is good.
ÀÀÀtsch, hab zum ende der vinyl-zeit zugeschlagen und die flohmÀrkte abgegrast. bin seitdem im besitz von 6 englischen erstpressungen der FabFour.
Cool. The vocal fadeout from The Magic Numbers song segued right into the opening guitar riff of this. Maybe Jung was right
I say! I'm own a pretty ecclectic(and vast) music collection myself. Gil Scott-Heron back to back with Beethoven joined by the Pixies, any David Bowie record known to man catting away with Procol Harum while Shivaree is flirting with the Beasty Boys and The Man in Black absolves them all of their follies. An man standing on one leg in the corner while playing his flute. You get the picture. I'm still hooked to Radio Paradise. I first tuned in when Bill told his story about the day John Lennon died and never left. Yay! Glad it worked out for you. ...and one day I will inherit a first print of The Beatles Revolver. Life is good.