Parachute Woman

Album: Beggars Banquet (1968)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Stones recorded a track of the music into an old mono cassette recorder to get a distinctive sound on this.
  • Performed in a Blues style, this song is loaded with sexual metaphors.
  • Mick Jagger played the harmonica on this track.
  • The Rolling Stones performed this on Rock and Roll Circus, a British TV special The Stones taped in 1968 but never aired. A series of musical acts and circus performances, it was released on video in 1995.
  • The Beggars Banquet album cover was designed to look like an invitation, with the letters RSVP at the bottom. This is not what The Stones had in mind. They wanted to use a photo of a graffiti-covered bathroom, but Decca Records wouldn't allow it. This resulted in a stalemate that held up the album's release until the band finally relented.

Comments: 10

  • J. Henry from Reston, VaI always was SURE I heard, “Well now Hemoglobin’s gonna get ya”
    instead of, “Well my heavy throbber’s itching”, especially because I never saw the printed lyrics until the Internet.
  • Reg from Usa(Without any proof) I think "Parachute Woman" is about Honor Blackman, who played the skydiver Pussy Galore in the James Bond movie "Goldfinger" a few years earlier. The Stones were fond of her and I can't think of any other parachute woman from around that time.

    https://bit.ly/3g7LqE9
  • Ken from Booneville,ms, MsDave Mason on lead guitar, listen Mick say "DAVE" right before the solo
  • James from Bronx, NyAWESOME. My heavy throbbers itchin just to lay a solid rhythm down! One of the highlights of Rock n Roll Circus
  • Reed from New Ulm, MnHave the Stones EVER put out a bad song?...if so, i sure don't know of any. as they say:
    " a rolling stone gathers no moss "
  • Craig from Melbourne, AustraliaBallsy song that should be performed live more.
  • Shannan from Wilmington, DeGreat Song! I Love The Stones! The Who were the best on Rock and Roll Circus!
  • Andrew from New York, United StatesI don't know this for a fact, but to me that slide part sounds like Keith. Brian's slide parts tend to be more melodic and single-note-y. This part is more chord-based, raunchy, and altogether more Keef-ish, to my ears. Certainly Keith was already playing great slide on the following LP, "Let It Bleed"- "Monkey Man" and "Love In Vain" are both Keith's slide, and I suspect the title cut is Keith too. Anyone know for sure?
  • Sammy from New York, NyI agree, excellent blues tune. I always loved it when the Stones played the blues like Love in Vain, Stop Breaking Down, Little Red Rooster.
  • Mike from Berkeley, CaLove Brian Jones slide guitar. I saw him play it on Rock'n Roll Circus, but his glass bottleneck hit the frets and kind of screwed up the sound. That isn't apparent on this cut. Great blues song. One of the Stones finest.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.