When The Whip Comes Down - The Rolling Stones

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The Rolling Stones

About When the Whip Comes Down

"When the Whip Comes Down" is a song by rock and roll band The Rolling Stones from their 1978 album Some Girls. "When the Whip Comes Down" was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, although Jagger handled the song's lyrics.

Year: 2015 19 Views When the whip comes down Yeah Mama and Papa told me see I was crazy to stay I was gay in New York, just a fag in L.A. And I took the money and I took the plane No matter where I go they treat me the same When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down Yeah, some call me garbage when I'm sweeping up the street And I never roll and I never cheat And I'm filling the need, I'm filling the hole My mama's so glad I ain't on the dole When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down Yeah I'm coming from fifty-third street and they spit on my face Well I'm learning the ropes and I'm learning the trade Well the east river truckers are churning with trash I got so much money I'll spend it too fast When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the shit hits the fan I'm sittin' on a can When the whip comes down When the shit comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down When the whip comes down Yeah check it out there When the whip comes down Yeah when the whip comes down Yeah when the whip comes down When the whip comes down Yeah then check it out, check it out, check it out Check it out, check it out Check it out, check it out, check it out, check it out Check it out, check it out, check it out Check it out, check it out, check it out

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in Dartford in 1962. The earliest settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (keyboards, piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums). Since Wyman's retirement in 1993, the band's full members have been Jagger, Richards, Watts and guitarist Ronnie Wood who joined in 1975. Darryl Jones (bassist) and Chuck Leavell (keyboardist) are regular contributors but not full band members. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Rolling Stones in 1989, noting that "critical acclaim and popular consensus has accorded them the title of the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”Rolling Stone magazine ranked them 4… more »

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Genre » Rock

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Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

9 facts about this song

Song Background

"When the Whip Comes Down" is a song by the legendary British rock band, The Rolling Stones. It is the second track on their 1978 album "Some Girls."

Lyrical Theme

The song is known for its provocative lyrics that address themes of homosexuality and male prostitution.

Stones' Change of Style

It was part of the album where The Rolling Stones embraced a punk-rock style and dance-oriented sound, which was different from their earlier bluesy rock tracks.

Mick Jagger's Inspiration

Lead vocalist Mick Jagger stated that the inspiration for the lyrics came from the gay disco scene in New York City and the rise of punk rock.

New Band Alignment

During the making of "Some Girls" album, Ronnie Wood started to contribute significantly and became a vital part of The Rolling Stones, replacing Mick Taylor. "When the Whip Comes Down" marks one of his early contributions to the group.

Song acknowledgement

Though not released as a single, "When the Whip Comes Down" was performed live at many concerts and appreciated by the audience.

Live Performances

The song's first live performance was in 1978 on the US-tour promoting the "Some Girls" album.

Unique Sound

The song is noted for its distinctive guitar work, with Keith Richards delivering a mean rhythm guitar part and Ronnie Wood contributing to the slide guitar parts.

Rock Sensuality

Despite the controversial and challenging themes, the song encapsulates the Stones' trademark mix of rock 'n' roll grit and sensuality.

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"When the Whip Comes Down Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LTD, 2025. Web. 11 Dec. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32468578/The+Rolling+Stones/When+the+Whip+Comes+Down>.

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