Salt of the Earth

"Salt of the Earth" is the final song from English rock band the Rolling Stones album Beggars Banquet (1968). Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song includes an opening lead vocal by Richards. It is the second official track by the group to feature him on lead vocal (the first being "Something Happened to Me Yesterday" from Between the Buttons). Composition and lyrics The song was reportedly 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: 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