Meaning of "Sittin' on a Fence" by The Rolling Stones

"Sittin' on a Fence" by The Rolling Stones explores themes of indecision, societal expectations, and the fear of making the wrong choices in life. The lyrics capture the inner conflict and struggles of the narrator's mind. They express a sense of being hard to please since their youth, suggesting a deep-seated dissatisfaction or restlessness. This dissatisfaction is fueled by their inability to discern right from wrong. The narrator expresses confusion about the behavior of women, describing the actions of some girls as sickening towards men. This suggests a lack of understanding and frustration in romantic relationships.

The song also touches upon the pressures to conform to societal norms. The narrator observes how their friends from school have settled down and "mortgaged up their lives." This line implies that marriage and the traditional path of adulthood may be driven by a lack of other options rather than genuine desire. It highlights the sense of resignation and complacency that can arise from societal expectations.

Throughout the song, the narrator's inability to make decisions is a recurring theme. They state that they have no sense and struggle to make up their mind, describing the process as horrifying. This indecision and fear of making the wrong choice paralyze them, leading to a state of limbo. The act of sitting on a fence symbolizes their reluctance to commit to any particular path or decision.

The final verse adds another layer to the song's meaning. It delves into the consequences of the choices made in life. The narrator suggests that one may reach old age and realize that the choices they made weren't truly right for them. However, out of obligation or fear, they continue down their chosen path, even if it leads to unhappiness. The line "you go out and you don't come back at night" hints at a sense of rebellion or escape from the constraints of their chosen life, but the consequences may be severe.

Overall, "Sittin' on a Fence" speaks to the fear, indecision, and societal expectations that can haunt individuals throughout their lives. It serves as a reflection on the consequences of conforming and the inner turmoil that can arise from the fear of making the wrong choices.