The Rolling Stones are rarely associated with the festive spirit of Christmas. Their music leans far from the cheerful and lighthearted themes that dominate holiday tunes. Yet, surprisingly, there is a hidden Christmas song in their repertoire that defies expectations.
This elusive track is not listed on any official tracklist. Instead, it’s cleverly embedded within the grooves of their 1967 album, Their Satanic Majesties Request. Like many creative experiments of the era, it takes advantage of the quirks of vinyl technology to hide its presence.
Adding to the intrigue, this hidden gem carries a subversive twist on Christmas themes. It’s far from traditional but remains a fascinating discovery for fans of both the band and holiday music.
The Controversial Beginnings of Their Satanic Majesties Request
Before Their Satanic Majesties Request was released in 1967, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones were in turmoil. Jagger and Keith Richards had both been arrested on drug charges, causing chaos within the band.
Initially, the album was to be titled Cosmic Christmas, with Jagger planning a provocative album cover featuring him naked and crucified. However, Decca Records vetoed this idea, leading to the iconic title Their Satanic Majesties Request.
Although they couldn’t fully embrace a Christmas theme, the Rolling Stones still managed to slip in a Christmas song. The track? The classic “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” though not in the traditional sense.
The Rolling Stones’ Subversive Christmas Track
The Rolling Stones’ version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is far from a cheerful holiday tune. It transforms the wholesome classic into something more disturbing, completely altering the song’s intended festive spirit.
The track appears after “Sing This All Together (See What Happens),” with the last note fading into the eerie Christmas message. The message is played through an oscillator, giving it a haunting, distorted quality.
Despite its unsettling tone, the voice behind the message is reportedly Bill Wyman, speaking the familiar Christmas greeting in a slowed-down, unintelligible way. This eerie ending led to the nickname “Cosmic Christmas”, reflecting the album’s original title.
How to Uncover the Hidden Christmas Song
To discover the hidden Christmas track, follow these simple steps. Start by placing the needle near the end of “Sing This All Together (See What Happens)” on your vinyl copy of Their Satanic Majesties Request.
Next, switch the turntable speed from 33 to 45 revolutions per minute. Once you do, the haunting Christmas rendition from the Rolling Stones will mysteriously emerge.
Among the hidden tracks from ’60s albums, this one stands out as especially eerie. It’s a chilling twist on the classic holiday song that’s bound to surprise any listener.