This song is a philosophical masterclass wrapped in a rock anthem. It acknowledges that life is full of frustrations and unfulfilled desires, but it offers a powerful counter-narrative: sometimes, not getting what you want is a blessing, leading you to what you truly need.

The lyrics wander through various scenes of 1960s London—a reception, a demonstration, the Chelsea Drugstore—capturing the end-of-a-decade disillusionment. The party is over, the revolutionary fervor is fading, but there's a mature acceptance of a new reality.

Released in 1969 on the album Let It Bleed, the song served as a poignant bookend to the swinging sixties. It contrasted sharply with the optimism of The Beatles' "Hey Jude" (released a year prior), offering a more grounded, realistic perspective.

While Mick Jagger wrote the lyrics, the song's grand execution was a massive collaborative effort, notably featuring the London Bach Choir, which was initially controversial as the choir requested their name be removed from the US release due to the song's drug references.

The track begins with a solemn choral intro before transitioning into a gentle acoustic guitar ballad. It then slowly builds into an explosive, gospel-infused rock crescendo.

• Al Kooper plays the french horn intro and the piano.
• The London Bach Choir provides the angelic backing vocals.
• Jimmy Miller, the producer, plays the drums (not Charlie Watts).

From the "reception" to the "demonstration," the lyrics are a vivid montage of late 60s life, filled with recurring characters like "Mr. Jimmy."