Non-Hit Hits Top Ten: You Can’t Always Get What You Want (#10)

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Here we go, with the thoroughly confusing list of favorite songs that weren’t U.S. hits — that is, they didn’t make the Billboard top 40. They are, however, well-known despite not being a “hit” in the “traditional” definition of the term. Still confused? Me too! Let’s sing along! #10: You Can’t Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones The song, in its entirety, is seven and a half minutes long, so that could explain why (a)AM radio wasn’t too keen on playing it (the “edited-for-time” single version still clocked in at five minutes) and (b)FM jocks ate it up. There’s another reason, too: this is a pretty cool song! I love how it starts with the choir (and ends with it), then the soft, acoustic guitar part, before going into a full-blown Stones classic. Extra kudos to Al Kooper for some great organ playing. Picky Wedia says that orange face used this for his campaign rally theme song in 2016, and the Stones were none too pleased, threatening legal action. The campaign switched to “YMCA” by the Village People instead. In hindsight, what a perfect song title. You Can’t Always Get What You Want Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards Recorded by The Rolling Stones From Let It Bleed, 1969 Billboard single peak position: #42 I was standing in line with Mr. Jimmy (Miller, the Stones’ producer and drummer on this track):