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Aim Quote by William S. Burroughs

“What originally established the band was cover songs like Not Fade Away. Then, later on, we got more well-known ones like Satisfaction, which you might say echoed the thinking of, well, any generation you care to name, including the present one. But we didn't set out on bits of paper that we were…” quote by William S. Burroughs
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“What originally established the band was cover songs like Not Fade Away. Then, later on, we got more well-known ones like Satisfaction, which you might say echoed the thinking of, well, any generation you care to name, including the present one. But we didn't set out on bits of paper that we were going to be the voice of a generation. The original aim of the Rolling Stones was to play blues. It wasn't even to play rock music.”

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

Source Interview: Rolling Stones origins, 1970s

The Stones began as a blues cover band, not a generational voice, and their early aim was musical exploration rather than cultural leadership.

In simple terms: They started as blues cover artists, not a generational voice.

Key Takeaway

Recognize origins before assigning cultural labels.

Themes

music culture identity history genre

Mood

reflective nostalgic

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

  • band formation
  • music history
  • cultural analysis
  • genre evolution

Key Concepts

blues rock authenticity generation artistic intent

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does a band's early purpose shape its legacy?
  • Can a group become a voice of a generation unintentionally?
A Different Perspective

Later reinterpretations can obscure original intent.

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