The rivalry between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones is more endearing in retrospect than contentious. Though the two British Invasion titans had occasional public jabs, their shared goal was to revolutionize music and culture. The Beatles even penned The Stones’ first hit, “I Wanna Be Your Man.” However, Mick Jagger’s discerning approach to songwriting led him to view certain Beatles tracks, like “Yellow Submarine,” as overly whimsical.
The Rolling Stones, by contrast, were never known for whimsy. Even when dabbling in baroque pop on albums like Between the Buttons, their attempts felt more like a rugged rocker dressing up for an occasion rather than genuine charm. The Beatles, led by Lennon and McCartney, could effortlessly balance playful and profound, even venturing into lighthearted territory without losing credibility.
Jagger’s skepticism toward The Beatles’ softer moments was encapsulated in Marianne Faithfull’s memoir, Memories, Dreams, and Reflections. She recalled his reaction to tracks like “Yellow Submarine” during its recording: “He’d never put their music down, but of Yellow Submarine or those whimsical Beatle songs, he might say, ‘Now that is a bit silly.’” Faithfull, however, cherished such songs, admiring their innocent charm.
In songs like “Yellow Submarine,” The Beatles embraced a carefree spirit, complete with Ringo Starr’s earnest vocal delivery. It wasn’t groundbreaking in complexity but was an endearing addition to their psychedelic period. Jagger’s Stones, however, were cut from a grittier cloth. By the time The Beatles were weaving softer melodies into Revolver and beyond, The Stones were diving into a more dangerous, bluesy soundscape.
The distinction became sharper as the bands evolved. The Beatles balanced schmaltz and sincerity in tracks like “The Long and Winding Road,” while The Stones explored raw emotional depth with songs like “Wild Horses” and the ferocity of “Sympathy for the Devil.” Jagger, uninterested in the playful naivety of songs like “With a Little Help from My Friends,” gravitated toward music with bite—a reflection of the band’s ethos.
For Jagger and The Stones, there was no room for songs that could be sung by children and grandparents alike. Their focus was on making music that was raw, tough, and unapologetically adult—a counterpoint to The Beatles’ ability to embrace whimsy without losing their edge. While The Beatles may have mastered the art of charm, The Stones carved their legacy in grit and rebellion, ensuring their reputation as rock’s ultimate outlaws.
