Release
Released as Beggars Banquet's lead single on 31 August 1968 in the US, "Street Fighting Man" was popular on release but was kept out of the Top 40 (reaching number 48) of the US charts in response to many radio stations refusal to play the song based on what were perceived as subversive lyrics. This attitude would be reinforced as the song was released within a week of the riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Because of the 1968 National Democratic Convention and the possibility of the song inciting further violence, Chicago radio stations refused to play the song. This was much to the delight of Mick, who stated: "I'm rather pleased to hear they have banned (the song). The last time they banned one of our records in America, it sold a million. Mick said he was told they thought the record was subversive, to which he snapped: "Of course it's subversive! It's stupid to think you can start a revolution with a record. I wish you could."
Keith weighed into the debate when he said that the fact a couple of radio stations in Chicago banned the record "just goes to show how paranoid they are". At the same time they were still requested to do live appearances and Keith said: "If you really want us to cause trouble, we could do a few stage appearances. We are more subversive when we go on stage."
The single's B-side was album-mate "No Expectations". For reasons unknown, the single did not see a release in the United Kingdom until 1971 (backed with "Surprise, Surprise", previously unreleased in the UK).
The US single's version of the song, released in mono with an additional vocal overdub on the choruses, is different from the Beggars Banquet album's stereo version.
It has been included on the compilations albums Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) (album version), Hot Rocks 1964-1971 (album version), Singles Collection: The London Years (1989: album version, 2002 remaster: single version) and Forty Licks (album version). A staple at Rolling Stones live shows since the band's American Tour of 1969, concert recordings of the song have been captured and released for the live albums Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!, Stripped, and Live Licks.
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Famous quotes containing the word release:
“If I were to be taken hostage, I would not plead for release nor would I want my government to be blackmailed. I think certain government officials, industrialists and celebrated persons should make it clear they are prepared to be sacrificed if taken hostage. If that were done, what gain would there be for terrorists in taking hostages?”
—Margaret Mead (1901–1978)
“The steel decks rock with the lightning shock, and shake with the
great recoil,
And the sea grows red with the blood of the dead and reaches for his spoil—
But not till the foe has gone below or turns his prow and runs,
Shall the voice of peace bring sweet release to the men behind the
guns!”
—John Jerome Rooney (1866–1934)
“The near touch of death may be a release into life; if only it will break the egoistic will, and release that other flow.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)