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When Mick Jagger had to change the lyrics of Let’s Spend the Night Together to Let’s Spend Some Time Together
On January 15 1967, after releasing their new single Let’s Spend The Night Together, The Rolling Stones performed a “censored” version of the song on on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Let’s Spend Some Time Together: The Rolling Stones Censored
During the Rolling Stones’ 1967 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, Mick Jagger was asked to change the lyrics of the song Let’s Spend the Night Together. The original line, “Let’s spend the night together” was considered too suggestive by the show’s producers and network executives, especially for the family-friendly audience of the program. In response to this, Jagger was instructed to soften the lyrics, and he complied by altering the phrase to “Let’s spend some time together.” (Ref. Rolling Stones lyric change)
This moment became a memorable example of the tension between the rebellious nature of rock ‘n’ roll and the conservative expectations of mainstream television at the time. The Stones’ performance on The Ed Sullivan Show was eagerly anticipated, but the shift in lyrics highlighted the band’s growing reputation for challenging societal norms, even as they navigated the boundaries set by mainstream media.
Rebels on Prime Time: The Stones vs. Censorship in 1967
Jagger’s delivery of the altered line was met with a mix of amusement and slight discomfort, as the band was known for pushing the limits of acceptable behavior. Despite the change, the performance still carried the same energy and rebellious spirit that defined the Stones’ music. The incident also marked the beginning of the Rolling Stones’ ongoing struggle with censorship, a theme that would continue throughout their career as they faced similar challenges with their provocative lyrics and performances.
While the adjusted lyrics were an act of compliance with television standards, they were also a symbol of the Rolling Stones’ commitment to maintaining their identity in the face of outside pressure.
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