The song was reported inspired by John Lennon, with Jagger attempting to write a working class anthem. The lyrics were written primarily by Jagger and salute the working class: Noteworthy within the lyrics is the salute to the salt of the earth but no action to change or improve the circumstances of working people is implied or suggested. In a twice-repeated stanza, the singer professes a distance from his subject that seemingly belies the sentiment of the verses: The song uses a quote that refers to a passage in the Bible where Jesus is trying to encourage people to give the best of themselves "Salt of the Earth" features the acoustic work of Richards, typical of most songs from Beggars Banquet. Richards also performs the slide guitar throughout the song. While some songs from Beggars Banquet were recorded by Jagger and Richards using a personal tape recorder, "Salt of the Earth" was recorded at London's Olympic Sound Studios in May 1968. Featuring on the song are the Los Angeles Watts Street Gospel Choir and a piano performance by Nicky Hopkins. These additions, and their prominence near the end of the song, are further developed on their next album Let It Bleed's closing song, "You Can't Always Get What You Want".
Critical reception
Jim Beviglia ranked "Salt of the Earth" the 25th best Rolling Stones song in Counting Down the Rolling Stones: Their 100 Finest Songs. Paste called it "a simple ode to the proletariat" and ranked it 37th in its Top 50 Rolling Stones songs. Rolling Stone ranked it 45th in its countdown of the band's top 100 songs, praising Richards' vocals and "gospel reverie."
Other appearances
"Salt of the Earth" has a unique live history. It has only been played once to an instrumental playback and live five times.
The first filmed rendition was for the taping of the 1968 television special The Rolling StonesRock and Roll Circus. However, this version features Keith Richards and Mick Jagger singing live while sitting with the audience as the backing track that appeared on Beggars Banquet is played.
It was then revived 21 years later for three performances in Atlantic City during the 1989-1990 Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, where the Stones were joined onstage by Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin of Guns N' Roses. Axl and Izzy were given their choice of songs, and when they chose this, the Stones had forgotten it, and had to listen to it to remember.
Jagger and Richards performed it as a duet for the 2001 "The Concert for New York City", commemorating the fallen of September 11, 2001, although they changed the lyrics to make its message more positive.
Its only other performance was in London, Twickenham Rugby Ground, on 20 September 2003 during the Licks Tour.
Folk singers Joan Baez and Judy Collins each recorded versions of the song. Baez included the song in her set during her October 2011 performance for Occupy Wall Street protesters in Manhattan.
Rotary Connection covered the song for their album Songs in 1969.
Jamaican Reggae musician Dandy Livingstone covered the song in 1971. . A soul version was recorded by Johnny Adams for his album From the heart.
Blues singer Bettye LaVette covered the song on her 2010 album Interpretations: The British Songbook.
"Salt of the Earth" is also the title to a documentary on the Rolling Stones 2005-06 'A Bigger Bang' World Tour.
Personnel
Mick Jaggervocals
Keith Richardsguitars, vocals
Bill Wymanbass guitar
Charlie Wattsdrums
Nicky Hopkinspiano
Watts Street Gospel Choirbackground vocals
Cover Versions
1971: Joan Baez on the studio album Blessed Are...
