Sweet Virginia

Album: Exile on Main St. (1972)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song refers to drug trafficking: "yes I've got the desert in my toenail, and I hid the speed inside my shoe." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Ted - Wellington, New Zealand
  • Keith Richards said in 2003: "Some songs - 'Sweet Virginia' - were held over from Sticky Fingers. It was the same lineup and I've always felt those two albums kind of fold into each other... there was not much time between them and I think it was all flying out of the same kind of energy." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • This was never released as a single, but it was one of the more popular songs on Exile on Main St., garnering significant radio play and making its way into the set list of many Stones concerts. This was somewhat surprising considering the last line of the song: "Got to scrape that s--t right off your shoes."

Comments: 4

  • Speedway Johnny from Sarasota, Fl.Love this tune, Sweet Virginia, The most enduring band of all time, yes??
  • Marc Roche from Oregon The sax solo kills....the harp intro is nice too
  • Kat from CaliforniaI think it’s Keith giving it his best at a high note
  • John Cole from South CarolinaWho sang the high parts on Sweet Virginia?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.