About the song
“Doom and Gloom” by The Rolling Stones is a song that captures the essence of the band’s ability to blend rock ‘n’ roll with biting social commentary. Released in 2012, it was part of the compilation album GRRR!, a collection marking the band’s 50th anniversary. While GRRR! focused primarily on celebrating the band’s iconic catalog, “Doom and Gloom” was one of the few new tracks featured on the album, providing a glimpse of the Stones’ still-potent creative energy, even after five decades in the business.
This track is very much in line with the Rolling Stones’ signature style: a bold and unapologetic rock anthem, layered with raw, powerful guitar riffs, a driving rhythm, and Mick Jagger’s distinctive vocals that carry both defiance and disillusionment. The song is quintessentially “Rolling Stones”, with a blend of gritty blues influences, classic rock elements, and a punk-like irreverence that the band helped define in the late 1960s and early 70s.
Lyrically, “Doom and Gloom” is a reflection on the harsh realities of the modern world, tackling themes of global crises, personal disillusionment, and societal chaos. The song’s title itself suggests a world spiraling out of control, with the lyrics painting a grim picture of everything from economic collapse to environmental devastation. It’s a song that, in true Rolling Stones fashion, combines a sense of rebellion with hopelessness—two themes that have often appeared in their music. The track’s message isn’t just about pessimism; it’s about recognizing the difficulties of the world and confronting them head-on. It’s a call for awareness, a wake-up call for listeners to face uncomfortable truths, but it also carries an undercurrent of resilience, suggesting that despite the doom and gloom, there’s still room for fight and survival.
While the lyrics convey despair, the music itself is energetic and urgent, with a driving beat that belies the dark message of the song. The contrasting dynamics between the somber lyrics and the upbeat rock instrumentation create a sense of tension, a hallmark of many of the Rolling Stones’ best songs. It’s this tension that makes the track so powerful—it forces listeners to confront the complexities of the world without offering any easy answers. The song doesn’t shy away from the dark side of modern existence but still embodies the vitality and raw energy that have kept the Stones relevant across generations.
“Doom and Gloom” also had a cultural impact, reflecting the growing sense of unease and uncertainty in the world during the early 2010s. The track was released against the backdrop of significant global events—economic struggles, environmental disasters, and political unrest—which gave it a timely resonance. It became a way for fans to connect with the Stones’ music in a world that seemed increasingly unpredictable. Despite the heavy themes, the song’s boldness and rock spirit made it a perfect rallying cry for anyone looking for a cathartic release. It reminded listeners of the band’s long-standing ability to capture the zeitgeist, and their role as not just entertainers, but also social commentators.
Beyond its thematic significance, the track stands as an example of how The Rolling Stones have maintained their relevance in the ever-changing landscape of rock music. Even after more than 50 years, the band still knows how to create a song that’s not only musically engaging but also socially conscious. While many of their contemporaries from the 1960s and 70s have faded into obscurity, the Rolling Stones remain a living testament to rock’s power to make bold statements, challenge the status quo, and remain a part of the cultural conversation.
In conclusion, “Doom and Gloom” is both a continuation of The Rolling Stones’ legacy and a timely reflection of the world’s troubles. Released as part of their anniversary album GRRR!, it represents their enduring ability to blend biting social critique with infectious rock energy. With its strong guitar riffs, Jagger’s signature vocal delivery, and a message that still resonates with listeners today, it is a fitting example of the Rolling Stones’ enduring power as a band—bold, unapologetic, and always tuned into the pulse of the times.
Video
Lyrics
One, two, three, goI had a dream last night, I was pilot in a planeAnd all the passengers were drunk and insaneI crash-landed in a Louisiana swampShot up a horde of zombies, but I come out on topWhat’s it all about?Guess it just reflects my moodAnd sitting in the dirtFeeling kind of hurtAll I hear is doom and gloomAnd all is darkness in my roomThrough the light, your face I seeOh baby, take a chanceBaby, won’t you dance with me?Come on, baby, you take a chanceDance with meI lost all that treasure in an overseas warI just go for show, you don’t get what you paid forBowing to the rich, and worrying about the poorPut my feet up on the couch, and lock all the doorsFill up punk with noiseIt’s the tightening of the screwsSitting in the dirtNow, all I hear is doom and gloomBut when those drums go boom, boom, boomAnd through that night, your face I seeOh baby, take a chanceDance with meBaby, take a chanceWon’t you dance with me?I’m fracking deep for oil, but there’s nothing in the sumpThe kids all picking at the garbage dumpBut running out of water, better prime the pumpI’m trying to stay sober, but I end up drunkThere’s no food for thoughtSitting on the side of the roadLike a round-aboutCome on, sugarAll I hear is doom and gloomWhen all is darkness in my roomThrough the night, your face I seeCome on, sugarWon’t you dance with me?Dance with meBaby, take a chanceBaby, won’t you dance with me?Feeling kind of, feeling kind of hurtI wish you just dance with meCome on, come onDance with meThank youThank you very muchAre you felling okay, right there? (Yes)Are you feeling good? (Yes)Everybody say yes (yes)Everybody say yes (yes)Alright, ah, let’s go