Hi Folks, Carmen C. sent me a mail some days ago (sorry for the delay here, Carmen).
And she raised an interesting question which we are open to discuss. As always, please post your comments and find the place to do so a little scroll down on this page… 😉
Ok here’s what Carmen is asking us:
We treated ourselves to the Shine a Light CD on a long-drive home from the Northwoods.
One, I think you can make a case that our heroes never sounded better on a live album than at the Beacon that evening, in particular the guitar weaving by Keith and Ronnie.
Anyone wish to debate?
Two, and the reason for this note, I realized that on SFTD, Mick skipped his historic “who shot the Kennedy’s?” lines.
Do we think this was deliberate?
For me, it was the most impactful and bold political lyric by any rock band ever. I would be disappointed to think Mick was pulling his punches.
And here’s the corresponding video:
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Hi Carmen,
didn’t Mick sing “who killed the Kennedys” in the original?
The Stones have taken out who shot the Kennedy’s since 1989 on SFTD at least in Boston out of respect to the Kennedy family. I have seen every show in Boston since 1989 and they have sung SFTD during every show except for the 2022 show in the Orpheum theatre.
I do agree it is one of their best live album. JJF, Shattered, She was Hot, cand Just my Imagination are fantastic. As Tears Go By shows the softer side and the love and respect Mick and Keith have for each other.
Thanks for clarifying, Norman. It will be interesting to see what they will do on the next tour. RFK, Jr. is insisting these murders are still unsolved as he runs for president and Bob Dylan recently addressed the subject in “Murder Most Foul.” Carmen C. (Ps, it’s “Mr. Carmen” – a name signifying our Italian American heritage)
Originally, the lyric was “Who shot Kennedy, but before release, Bobby was killed, hence the change. I believe that I heard Mick say that the lyric was omitted after the death of JFK, Jr.
Released in 1968, the lyrics go:
I shouted out
Who killed the Kennedys?
When after all
It was you and me