Wednesday August 17, 2022 “Brown Sugar” Rolling Stones
Brown sugar is made of crystalline sucrose combined with a small amount of molasses, which is responsible for its characteristic color and rich flavor. Brown sugar's use is widespread because it contributes a dark sweetness to baked goods…but we all know that is not the ‘brown sugar’ Mick and the boys are singing about.
Now I’m going to be honest with you, I never, until this very moment, knew specifically all the lyrics of this ever so popular song. As an aside, don't you hate when someone says “I’m going to be honest with you…” suggesting that perhaps previous statements have been all lies or BS. Back to the lyrics though, they are more than just dark.
The lyric, according by former Stone Bill Wyman, is about slaves from Africa who were sold in New Orleans and raped by their white masters. The subject matter is quite serious, but the way the song is structured, it comes off as a fun rocker about a white guy having sex with a black girl.
The Stones always had the ability to get the best back-up singers. Their 1967 single “We Love You” featured John Lennon and Paul McCartney on backing vocals and there are rumours that David Bowie is singing the back-up on their song “Time Waits For No One.” .
And the Stones have a long and interesting relationship with movies. Director Martin Scorsese has used their song “Gimme Shelter” in four of his films. One of the cameramen on their 1970 documentary, Gimme Shelter, was none other than legendary film director George Lucas and the producers of A Clockwork Orange briefly toyed with the idea of casting Jagger in the lead role as Alex and having the rest of the Stones along as his “droogs”.
Stay safe and well…and ever wondered about that Rolling Stones tongue logo, it was inspired by the Indian Hindu goddess Kali The Destroyer.