60 years ago, on 6 June 1965, The Rolling Stones released what would become one of the most influential and recognisable songs in rock history: “(I can’t get no) Satisfaction”. With its instantly iconic guitar riff, rebellious lyrics and raw energy, the track marked a turning point not only for the band, but for the sound of rock music itself.
Who are the Rolling Stones?
Formed in London in 1962, The Rolling Stones quickly rose to fame as part of the “British Invasion” that swept through the United States in the 1960s. The classic lineup includes:
- Mick Jagger (vocals),
- Keith Richards (guitar),
- Brian Jones (multi-instrumentalist),
- Charlie Watts (drums), and
- Bill Wyman (bass).
With their blues-inspired sound and rebellious image, they stood in contrast to the cleaner-cut Beatles, branding themselves as the darker, edgier face of British rock. Their legacy spans over six decades and includes more than 30 studio albums, countless world tours, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
“Satisfaction” – A rock anthem is born
The song was famously written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, with the instantly recognisable guitar riff coming to Richards in a dream. He reportedly woke up, recorded it on a cassette, and fell back asleep—capturing what would become one of the most famous riffs in music history.
The track is a critique of consumerism, sexual frustration and commercial culture, themes that resonated strongly with the youth of the 1960s. The line “I can’t get no satisfaction” became a slogan for a generation.
Reception and impact
Upon release in the United States in June 1965, the song quickly hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for four weeks. It topped charts around the world and became the Stones’ first number-one hit in the US, paving the way for their global dominance.
The song’s success was not just commercial; it has been critically acclaimed for decades. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it No. 2 on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Notable covers
“Satisfaction” has been covered by numerous artists across genres, including:
- Aretha Franklin (soul version),
- Otis Redding (brassy, energetic reinterpretation),
- Britney Spears (pop cover in the early 2000s),
- Devo (post-punk deconstruction),
- and even Cat Power, who offered a slow, haunting take on it.
Each version brings a unique spin to the raw emotion of the original.
A riff in a dream
Keith Richards claims that the famous guitar riff came to him in his sleep. He had a tape recorder next to his bed, and in the morning found that he had recorded two minutes of the riff, followed by the sound of him snoring for over 40 minutes. That sleepy moment gave birth to one of rock’s most powerful hooks.
Legacy
Today, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is more than a hit—it’s a cultural milestone, symbolising the rebellious spirit of the 1960s and the power of music to give voice to generational frustration. 60 years on, it remains a staple of rock playlists, stadium concerts, and protest soundtracks alike.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 2nd bed-in for peace (1969)
