The Rolling Stones and the Path to Darkness
In their song “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” the Rolling Stones play with fire and boast about their freedom, and that is what the “ So come on Jack be nimble, Jack be quick ” reference is about. Becoming one of the darker voices in rock and roll at the end of the 1960s, the Rolling Stones’ albums “ Beggars Banquet ” in 1968 and “ Let It Bleed ” in 1969 featured a sort of aggressive nihilism that wasn’t present in their earlier songs. For this reason, McLean uses Mick Jagger and his band as representatives of those who incite rebellion while pushing for personal freedom. As such, it doesn’t take long for the narrator to identify Jagger with the Devil.
Rolling Stones Live On Stage In USA (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
As violence started during the concert, Jagger didn’t end the show despite some people in the audience pleading with him to do so. It is difficult to say whether his defiant attitude incited a riot but, as footage from the concert proves, he could have brought it to an end by leaving the stage.