You Can't Always Get What You Want: 7 Reasons The Rolling Stones’ Classic Endures On The Hackney Diamonds Tour

The phrase "Get What You Want Rolling Stones" immediately brings to mind one of the band's most enduring and philosophical anthems: the 1969 masterpiece, "You Can't Always Get What You Want." As of December 2025, The Rolling Stones continue their legendary run, thrilling audiences across the globe on the highly successful *Hackney Diamonds* Tour, and this classic track remains a powerful, poignant fixture in their setlist. This deep dive explores the track's history, its profound message, and its renewed relevance as the band—now in its seventh decade—proves that while you can't always get what you want, sometimes, you get exactly what you need.

The song, originally released as the B-side to "Honky Tonk Women," transcends its era, serving as a timeless piece of rock wisdom. Its inclusion in the current tour, alongside new material from their critically acclaimed 2023 album *Hackney Diamonds*, highlights the unparalleled depth of the Stones' catalog and their ability to connect with multiple generations of fans.

The Rolling Stones: Current Lineup and Recent Biography (2023–2025)

The Rolling Stones, founded in London in 1962, are the epitome of rock and roll longevity. Despite the tragic loss of founding drummer Charlie Watts in 2021, the band—often referred to as 'The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band'—has continued to perform and create new music, cementing their legacy for a new generation. Their recent activities, centered around the *Hackney Diamonds* album and subsequent tour, underscore their enduring creative force.

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• Mick Jagger (Vocals, Harmonica): The iconic frontman, born Michael Philip Jagger, continues to define rock star energy. He co-wrote "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and remains the principal lyricist and stage presence for the band.
• Keith Richards (Guitar, Vocals): The co-founder and musical anchor, known for his signature guitar riffs and "The Glimmer Twins" partnership with Jagger. His riff-based style is integral to the Stones' sound, including the acoustic foundation of this classic track.
• Ronnie Wood (Guitar): Joining in 1975, Wood is the youngest member and has been the essential second guitarist, contributing to the band's rich, interwoven sound (often called the "ancient art of weaving").
• Steve Jordan (Drums): Following Charlie Watts’ passing, Jordan, a renowned session musician and long-time collaborator with Keith Richards, officially took over drumming duties. His powerful, blues-infused style has successfully carried the rhythm section into the new era.
• Hackney Diamonds (2023): This album marked their first studio album of original material in 18 years and was met with widespread critical acclaim, proving the band still possesses the fire and creativity that birthed classics like "You Can't Always Get What You Want."

The Profound Meaning and Recording History of the 1969 Anthem

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" is the final track on the seminal 1969 album *Let It Bleed*. Written by the songwriting duo of Jagger and Richards, the song is a complex, emotionally mature reflection on disillusionment, acceptance, and the search for true fulfillment.

The Bittersweet Philosophy of the Lyrics

The song's core message—"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well, you just might find, you get what you need"—is a simple yet profound philosophical statement. The lyrics explore three specific scenarios that capture the mood of the late 1960s, touching on themes of love, drugs, and political disappointment:

• The Girl: The narrator meets a girl at a protest (a "demonstration"), but their relationship is fleeting, symbolizing the transient nature of idealistic love.
• The Drug Dealer: He asks a pharmacist for a pill that will make him feel better, highlighting the era's search for quick fixes and the unfulfilled promises of drug culture.
• The Wedding: The final verse, set at a wedding, observes a tearful bride and a preacher, suggesting that even traditional paths to happiness can lead to disappointment.

In each case, the narrator’s desire is unfulfilled, leading to the ultimate conclusion: the universe provides what is necessary, not what is merely desired.

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Unique Recording Details and Instrumentation

The song is notable for its unusual and ambitious instrumentation, which immediately sets it apart from the Stones’ typical blues-rock sound. The recording session, produced by Jimmy Miller, brought in several non-traditional elements:

• The London Bach Choir: The song famously opens and closes with a majestic performance by the London Bach Choir, providing a gospel-like, almost spiritual quality that contrasts with the rock instrumentation.
• Al Kooper’s Contribution: Session musician Al Kooper was instrumental, playing the piano, organ, and French horn on the track. The French horn solo is one of the song's most distinctive and recognizable features.
• Lack of Charlie Watts: In a rare instance for a Rolling Stones track, the original recording does not feature Charlie Watts on drums. Instead, producer Jimmy Miller played the drums, contributing to the song's unique, restrained rhythmic feel.

Why 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' Is Still Essential on the Hackney Diamonds Tour

Decades after its release, the song remains a crowd favorite and a powerful moment in The Rolling Stones' live shows, including the current *Hackney Diamonds* Tour. Its continued presence in the setlist alongside new hits like "Angry" and "Sweet Sounds of Heaven" demonstrates its timeless appeal. Here are seven reasons why this classic endures and resonates with today's audiences:

1. It's a Moment of Profound Reflection in the Setlist

Amidst the high-octane energy of tracks like "Start Me Up" and "Tumbling Dice," "You Can't Always Get What You Want" offers a slower, more contemplative moment. The song's build-up, often featuring a local choir filling in for the London Bach Choir, creates a goosebump-inducing, communal experience that few other songs can match.

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2. The Enduring Relevance of the Core Message

The core theme of accepting reality and finding "what you need" rather than "what you want" is a universal truth that never fades. In a world of instant gratification and social media-driven desire, this 1969 lyric serves as a powerful, grounding reminder of patience and contentment.

3. A Showcase for the Current Lineup’s Dynamics

Live performances highlight the current band's chemistry. Steve Jordan’s drumming brings a fresh, yet respectful, touch to the rhythm, while Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards' guitar weaving provides the essential texture. Mick Jagger's delivery, now seasoned by decades of experience, adds even more weight to the philosophical lyrics.

4. A Deep Cut from the Legendary *Let It Bleed* Album

The song’s inclusion pays homage to the *Let It Bleed* album, which is often cited as one of the band's greatest works, alongside *Beggars Banquet* and *Exile on Main St.* It connects the current tour to the band's golden era, satisfying long-time fans.

5. Its Unique, Gospel-Infused Structure

The distinct opening and closing choir sections give the song a ceremonial feel. This structure elevates it beyond a standard rock song, turning the live performance into a near-spiritual event that captures the audience's full attention.

6. The Song’s Cultural and Political History

The track has a storied history of being used and misused in cultural contexts, including political rallies, which only adds to its notoriety and the public's curiosity. Its complex nature—often misinterpreted as an anthem of cynical resignation—makes its true meaning a constant subject of discussion and analysis.

7. A Testament to The Glimmer Twins' Songwriting Maturity

For many critics, this song represents a peak in the songwriting partnership of Jagger and Richards. It showed their ability to move beyond simple blues-rock structures to create complex, narrative-driven pieces that incorporated diverse musical influences, setting a new standard for rock music in the 1970s and beyond.

In conclusion, while the search term "Get What You Want Rolling Stones" might be a slight misnomer, the song it refers to—"You Can't Always Get What You Want"—is a monumental track that remains a cornerstone of the band's identity. As the Stones continue to tour with the *Hackney Diamonds* material, this timeless classic ensures that their live shows are not just a celebration of new achievements, but a powerful journey through the rich tapestry of rock history.