Album: Singles Collection: The London Years (1963)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the first original song The Stones recorded. They stuck to covers of blues songs until then.
  • The Stones released this as the B-side of "I Wanna Be Your Man."
  • An obvious title for The Rolling Stones, "Stoned" is far from their signature song. There are very few lyrics on the track, which is indeed about being stoned.
  • The music is based on the instrumental song "Green Onions" by Booker T. & the MG's.
  • The songwriting credit went to Nanker Phelge, a collective credit for the five band members (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman). "Phelge" was the derisive nickname for a guy Richards used to live with. "He was the sort of guy who would nail up the john while you're in there and lower a tape recorder in through the window and capture the moment when the victim couldn't get the door open," Richards explained in Melody Maker. "He ended up with a whole reel of tape and every time it got to the bit where they flushed the toilet you'd hear a roar of applause."

    As for "Nanker," Richards said it was "One of Brian's inventions and deserves to stay with him."

Comments: 2

  • Davíd from Woburn, MaTom's right. "Nnker Phelge" was a combo of all their last names, which was easier than crediting Jagger/Richards/Jones/Wyman/Hopkins/Jones. Plus, it sounds cooler.
  • Tom from Yuba City, CaNanker Phelge is the name attributed to when all five stones contributed equally and they shared in the royalties. That's why you only see it in early Stones songs
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.