On This Date (47 Years Ago): The Rolling Stones – “Beast of Burden”

August 28, 1978 – The Rolling Stones released the 45 single “Beast of Burden” b/w “When The Whip Comes Down” in the US. Featured on their classic Some Girls album, the song climbed to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the band’s most enduring tracks.

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Background

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Beast of Burden” was largely built on Richards’ music and concept, with Jagger improvising many lyrics in the studio. The phrase “beast of burden” refers to an animal used for labor, but Richards later revealed the song was also a thank-you to Jagger for carrying the band during his struggles in the 1970s.

Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards perfected their unique “guitar weaving” interplay on this track—both playing acoustic and electric, slipping in and out of rhythm and lead without a clear distinction. Jagger’s soulful vocal adds to its torch-ballad feel, giving it an emotional depth that stood apart from the faster tracks on Some Girls.

Critical Reception & Legacy

• Praised as one of the Stones’ best soul ballads.

• AllMusic’s Bill Janovitz noted the “guitar weaving” as the highlight, comparing it to Television’s late-70s dual-guitar sound.

• Keith Richards himself called it “one of my best soul songs.”

• Covered by Bette Midler (No Frills, 1983) and Buckwheat Zydeco (Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire, 1990).

Key Lyric:“I’ll never be your beast of burden / My back is broad, but it’s a-hurting / All I want is for you to make love to me.”

Legacy

“Beast of Burden” remains a staple in the Rolling Stones’ live shows and a fan favorite. With its bluesy groove, heartfelt lyrics, and Richards/Wood guitar chemistry, it perfectly captures the Stones’ late-70s reinvention and soulful side.