Street Fighting Man
Quick facts
- Artist
- Oasis
- Release
- All Around the World
- Release year
- 1998
- Lyrics
- Available
Lyrics
Everywhere I hear the sound of marching feet, boy
Because summer’s here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy
But what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock & roll band
Because in sleepy London town
There’s just no place for a street fighting man
No
Hey! Think the time is right for a palace revolution
But where I live the game to play is compromise solution
But what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock & roll band
Because in sleepy London town
There’s just no place for a street fighting man
No
Hey! Said my name is called disturbance
I’ll shout and scream, I’ll kill the king, I’ll rail at all his servants
But what can a poor boy do
Except to sing for a rock & roll band
Because in sleepy London town
There’s just no place for a street fighting man
No
Listen / Watch
Notes
Originally written and recorded by The Rolling Stones. The Stones' version, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, first appeared on their 1968 album Beggars Banquet. It's a politically charged rock anthem inspired by the social unrest and protests of the late 1960s, including the Vietnam War demonstrations and student riots in Paris. The lyrics capture a sense of frustration and rebellion, with lines like "Everywhere I hear the sound of marching, charging feet, boy / 'Cause summer's here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy." The track is known for its driving rhythm, featuring Richards' innovative use of acoustic guitar through a cassette recorder for a distorted effect, and it became one of the Stones' signature protest songs. Oasis released their rendition as a B-side to the single "All Around the World" on January 12, 1998, via Creation Records.
It's a faithful yet energetic take, clocking in at about 3:54, with Noel Gallagher handling the production and infusing it with Oasis's Britpop swagger.
The band, fronted by Liam Gallagher on vocals, delivers a raw, guitar-heavy performance that pays homage to the original while aligning with their own sound influenced by classic rock acts like the Stones. Interestingly, an unheard demo version by Noel Gallagher surfaced online around 2021, showcasing a stripped-down approach.