About the song
Released in 1965, “Get Off Of My Cloud” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and energetic tracks, encapsulating the band’s rebellious spirit and the growing sense of social defiance of the 1960s. Featured on their album Out of Our Heads, “Get Off Of My Cloud” became a massive hit, reaching number one on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It exemplifies the band’s ability to blend rock, blues, and a touch of pop sensibility into an anthem of youthful defiance and personal independence.
The release of “Get Off Of My Cloud” marked a crucial moment in The Rolling Stones’ career as they were transitioning from their earlier blues-based roots to a more mainstream rock sound. The song is a prime example of this evolution, with its catchy, driven rhythm and sharp, confrontational lyrics. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the track showcases their growing ability to craft songs that were not just musically innovative, but also culturally resonant. Released as a single in September 1965, it became one of the band’s fastest-selling singles at the time, helping solidify their place as one of the most influential bands of the decade.
“Get Off Of My Cloud” features a sharp, snappy riff that immediately draws in the listener, with Mick Jagger’s signature snarl delivering the song’s playful yet defiant lyrics. The song’s chorus, “Hey, get off of my cloud,” serves as a simple but powerful declaration of independence, as Jagger sings about the frustration of being bothered by others and the desire to be left alone. On the surface, the song may seem like a lighthearted, almost whimsical rock anthem, but beneath its catchy melody lies a deeper message about personal freedom, isolation, and the pressures of fame. The lyrics reflect a certain weariness with the expectations and intrusions that come with being in the public eye, particularly for a band as famous as The Rolling Stones at the time.
The meaning of “Get Off Of My Cloud” can be interpreted as a rejection of societal pressures, whether they are external expectations or internal anxieties. The “cloud” in the song can be seen as a metaphor for a personal space or a mental escape—something that the singer wants to preserve from outside influence. Jagger and Richards crafted a narrative about a person who, despite the fame and fortune that come with success, yearns for a sense of autonomy and privacy. This idea of wanting to maintain one’s own space and identity resonates deeply with listeners, especially in the context of the 1960s, a decade marked by radical cultural changes, civil rights movements, and a questioning of authority and tradition.
Musically, “Get Off Of My Cloud” is driven by Brian Jones’ distinctive jangly guitar riff, which is both catchy and angular, and the rhythm section, led by Charlie Watts on drums, provides a steady, propulsive foundation that carries the track forward. The upbeat, almost frantic energy of the song is a stark contrast to its underlying message of frustration and isolation. The contrast between the song’s music and its lyrics is part of what makes it so compelling—it’s a perfect example of how The Rolling Stones used rock music to both capture and comment on the emotional complexities of their time.
The social impact of “Get Off Of My Cloud” is significant, especially in the context of the 1960s counterculture. At the time of its release, the world was undergoing massive social, political, and cultural upheaval. The younger generation was beginning to challenge the norms and expectations that had governed society for decades. With its message of self-determination and its refusal to conform to others’ expectations, the song tapped into the growing sense of independence and rebellion that was characteristic of youth culture in the mid-60s. For The Rolling Stones, this track was a reflection of their own frustrations with fame and the pressures of being one of the most prominent rock bands in the world.
More broadly, “Get Off Of My Cloud” contributed to the band’s image as the anti-heroes of rock and roll, standing in opposition to the more polished, idealized figures of other contemporary artists. The Rolling Stones were never afraid to confront their own imperfections and the contradictions inherent in their success, and this song, with its brash lyrics and energetic delivery, was a declaration of their refusal to be boxed in by the expectations of others. This message resonated not only with the youth of the 1960s but also with future generations who saw in The Rolling Stones a symbol of rebellion and authenticity.
In terms of its place within The Rolling Stones’ broader catalog, “Get Off Of My Cloud” is a key song that highlights the band’s evolution and their ability to fuse various elements of rock and blues with a biting, socially aware edge. It’s a song that continues to capture the essence of The Rolling Stones at the height of their fame—energetic, unapologetic, and always willing to challenge the status quo. The track’s enduring popularity and influence serve as a reminder of the band’s lasting impact on both the rock genre and popular music in general.
In conclusion, “Get Off Of My Cloud” is a bold and unforgettable anthem that embodies the defiance, frustration, and desire for personal freedom that were so prominent in the 1960s. With its catchy riff, rebellious lyrics, and energetic performance, it remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic tracks. The song’s deeper themes of isolation and self-preservation resonate just as strongly today, reminding listeners of the power of individuality and the importance of carving out space for oneself in a world that often demands conformity. In the context of rock history, “Get Off Of My Cloud” is a standout moment in The Rolling Stones’ career, a reflection of the band’s unique ability to marry social commentary with the kind of electrifying music that has made them legends.
Video
Lyrics
I live on an apartmentOn the ninety-ninth floor of my blockAnd I sit at home lookin’ out the windowImaginin’ the world has stoppedThen in flies a guyWho’s all dressed up just like the Union JackHe says “I would drive aroundIf I had his kind of detergent pack”I said, “Hey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudHey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudHey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudDon’t hang around ’cause two’s a crowdOn my cloud baby”The telephone is ringin’I say, “Hi, it’s me, who is it there on the line?”A voice says, “Hi, hello, how are you?Well, I guess I’m doin’ fine”It’s three a.m., there’s too much noiseDon’t you people ever wanna go to bed?‘Cause you feel so goodDo you have to drive me out of my head?I said, “Hey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudHey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudHey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudDon’t hang around ’cause two’s a crowdOn my cloud baby”I was sick and tired, fed up with thisAnd decided to take a drive downtownIt was so very quiet and peacefulThere was nobody, not a soul aroundI laid myself outI was so tired and I started to dreamIn the mornin’ the parkin’ tickets were just like a flagStuck on my windscreenI said, “Hey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudHey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudHey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudDon’t hang around ’cause two’s a crowdOn my cloud”Hey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudHey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudHey, hey, you, you, get off of my cloudDon’t hang around, baby, two’s a crowdOn my cloud