The Rolling Stones And The Ancient Instruments Used In “Factory Girl”

April 3, 2025

It was the summer of 1968 when The Rolling Stones found themselves at a turning point in their illustrious career. After years of rock and roll domination, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the rest of the band were ready to experiment and discover new sounds. They had just returned from a whirlwind tour across the globe, and the thrill of performing live was still fresh in their minds. Yet, a nagging feeling inside them urged them to explore something deeper, something ancient that connected music with the very spirit of humanity.

Choosing to record their next album, they settled in a tiny cottage in the English countryside. Surrounded by lush green fields and the sounds of nature, they felt inspired to dig into the rich history of music. They began to think about how music has been part of our lives for thousands of years, bringing people together in joy and sorrow. This thought led them to an extraordinary idea—what if they infused their sound with ancient instruments that had been played for centuries? The concept was exciting, and they knew they were onto something special.

As the band experimented, they unearthed a variety of unique instruments. They placed a beautiful sitar, an ancient Indian string instrument, in the center of their makeshift studio. The sitar’s captivating melodies blended seamlessly with Keith Richards’ guitar riffs and Mick Jagger’s passionate vocals. They even brought in a tambura, another stringed instrument that filled the air with a warm drone, grounding their sound in tradition while allowing it to soar into the future. The fusion of these ancient instruments created a rich tapestry of sound that was unlike anything they had done before.

One song that emerged from this experimentation was “Factory Girl.” Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics seemed to resonate with everyone who heard it. As they recorded, the band felt a powerful connection not just to their music, but also to the long lineage of artists who had come before them. They recognized that music was not just entertainment; it was a way to communicate, a bridge that connected generations. The process of creating this song taught them the importance of honoring their roots while boldly forging ahead with their musical journey.

The release of “Factory Girl” was met with excitement, and fans were thrilled to hear the new direction The Rolling Stones were taking. Though some critics were puzzled by the change, the band remained true to their vision, undeterred by outside opinions. This period of experimentation enriched their artistry, leading to even more iconic songs in the years to come. As The Rolling Stones continued to evolve, they were reminded that music was a living entity, growing and transforming, much like the world around them.

Looking back, Mick Jagger later reflected on that summer, saying, “It was a time of awakening, of embracing the past while reaching for the future.” The experience not only strengthened the bond between the band members but also ignited a spark of creativity that would fuel their careers for decades. The Rolling Stones had shown that with resilience, passion, and a willingness to explore the unknown, they could create something truly timeless. Their adventure into the world of ancient instruments had become a beautiful chapter in their story—a reminder that music is a universal language that connects us all, no matter where we come from or how far we go.