# What does The Rolling Stone’s 1969 classic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ actually mean?

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/what-does-the-rolling-stones-1969-classic-you-cant-always-get-what-you-want-actually-mean/
- Published: 2026-11-03T10:16:46+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-rolling-stones-1969-you-cant-always-get-what-you-want-mean/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- The song weighs desire against need.
- The identity of “Mr Jimmy” remains uncertain.
- Its refrain reflects the fading optimism of the 1960s.

## Summary

The Rolling Stones’ 1969 song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” explores the gap between what people desire and what they need, suggesting that disappointment can still lead to unexpected fulfilment. Released as the optimism of the 1960s faded, it reflects a world where pleasure, politics and personal hopes rarely turn out as expected.

The story behind “Mr Jimmy” in the lyrics is disputed. One account identifies him as Jimmy Hutmaker, an Excelsior resident who allegedly made the song’s famous remark to Mick Jagger when a shop had run out of Cherry Coke; another possibility is Jimmy Miller, the band’s producer and the song’s credited drummer. The article says the lyric’s lasting appeal lies in its balance of resignation and a hint of hope, whoever inspired it.

## Coverage

- [Far Out: What does The Rolling Stone’s 1969 classic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ actually mean?](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-rolling-stones-1969-you-cant-always-get-what-you-want-mean/)
- [Far Out: Sam Fender covers The Rolling Stones’ classic 1969 track ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ for John Lewis’ 2026 Christmas advert](https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/sam-fender-rolling-stones-you-cant-always-get-what-you-want-john-lewis-2026-christmas-advert/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.