Meaning of The Spider And The Fly (Live 1965) by The Rolling Stones

"The Spider And The Fly (Live 1965)" by The Rolling Stones is a timeless rock song that delves into themes of temptation, loyalty, and the consequences of deceit. Through its clever lyrics and captivating melody, the song weaves a narrative of a protagonist who finds himself caught in a web of infidelity and must face the repercussions of his actions.The song opens with the protagonist's contemplative state, as he sits, thinks, sinks, and drinks. This sets the stage for his internal struggle, questioning what he would do when he's through with his current situation. The theme of temptation is introduced here, as he expresses a desire for the attention of a passing girl, even though he loves his girl at home. The lyric "Don't want to be alone, but I love my girl at home" highlights the conflict between desire and loyalty, showcasing the protagonist's struggle to resist the spider's web of temptation.As the song progresses, the protagonist finds himself entangled in the web of a "common, flirty" woman who tempts him with her charisma and playfulness. The line "Then I said hi, like a spider to a fly" metaphorically compares the protagonist's approach to the object of his desire to a spider ensnaring its prey. This imagery serves to emphasize the predatory nature of the temptation, highlighting the danger that lies ahead for the protagonist.The lyric "Remembering what my little girl said" is pivotal in revealing the internal conflict within the protagonist. It showcases the lingering voice of his conscience, urging him to remain faithful and truthful. This theme of moral struggle adds depth to the song, as it explores the protagonist's battle between succumbing to temptation or staying loyal to his committed relationship.The chorus of the song becomes an anthem of caution, emphasizing fidelity and honesty. The repeated line "My, my, my don't tell lies, keep fidelity in your head" serves as a stern reminder to the protagonist, urging him to resist the allure of deceit and dishonesty. The theme of fidelity becomes increasingly important as the song progresses, highlighting the consequences that await those who give in to temptation.In the final verse, the protagonist reflects on his encounter with the woman, realizing that he could have escaped the situation but chose not to. The line "She told me later she's a machine operator, she said she liked the way I held the microphone" reveals that the woman was drawn to the protagonist's talents and charisma, much like a fly is drawn to a spider's web. This serves as a reminder that sometimes one's own actions contribute to the allure of temptation.Overall, "The Spider And The Fly (Live 1965)" explores the theme of temptation within the context of a relationship. It reveals the internal struggle of the protagonist as he faces the consequences of his actions and grapples with the choice between loyalty and indulgence. The song's lyrics create vivid imagery of a spider's web, drawing parallels between the protagonist's predicament and the ensnaring nature of temptation. Through its narrative structure and poignant lyrics, the song serves as a cautionary tale, reminding listeners to resist the lure of deceit and to value fidelity in their relationships.