About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “Blame It on the Stones”. Now that’s a song that takes us right back to the cultural clash of the late 1960s. Kristofferson, a rising star in the country scene, emerged with a gruff voice and lyrics that resonated with a generation yearning for authenticity. But “Blame It on the Stones” throws a playful jab at the counterculture, specifically the rock and roll juggernaut that was The Rolling Stones.
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This wasn’t just some random potshot, mind you. The Stones, with their raw energy and rebellious attitude, were seen by some in the older generation as a corrupting influence. Their music, loud and often laced with social commentary, clashed with the more traditional sounds and values of country music. “Blame It on the Stones” captures this tension perfectly, with a wink and a smile.
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff, a stark contrast to the bombast often associated with the Stones. Kristofferson’s signature baritone then takes center stage, lamenting about a teenager’s newfound rebellious streak. The culprit? “Those long-haired boys from England,” he sings, a clear reference to the Stones. We hear about a daughter who’s turned up her nose at her good manners and disrespectfully slams doors – all “blamed on the Stones”.
But here’s the beauty of the song. It’s not a full-blown condemnation. There’s a hint of amusement in Kristofferson’s voice, a recognition of the generation gap and the changing times. Perhaps there’s even a touch of nostalgia for his own youthful rebellion. The song cleverly uses the Stones as a scapegoat for the natural teenage defiance parents face. It’s a lighthearted way of acknowledging the cultural shift and the anxieties it brought.
“Blame It on the Stones” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a social commentary disguised as a playful country ballad. It reminds us of a time when music truly had the power to spark generational divides, and how artists like Kristofferson could capture the essence of that conflict with wit and a touch of country charm.
So, put on your boots, grab your favorite Stetson, and prepare to be transported back to a simpler time, when teenagers defied their parents and “blamed it on the Stones”.