About Song
“Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966, is a landmark song that showcases the band’s evolution into new musical territories. Co-written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song is notable for its distinctive sitar riff and its exploration of dark and introspective themes.
The lyrics of “Paint It, Black” delve into themes of loss, mourning, and a desire to escape from the pain of a broken relationship. The titular phrase “paint it, black” serves as a metaphor for a desire to transform the world into a colorless void, reflecting the emotional depth of the song. The lyrics are evocative and capture a sense of existential angst that was characteristic of the mid-1960s.
One of the most distinctive features of the song is the use of the sitar, played by Brian Jones. The incorporation of this Indian instrument gives “Paint It, Black” a unique and exotic quality, setting it apart from the typical rock songs of the time. The sitar riff that opens the song is instantly recognizable and contributes to the song’s overall psychedelic and experimental vibe.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its impact was not limited to commercial success; “Paint It, Black” became an anthem of the counterculture movement and is often associated with the turbulent social and cultural changes of the 1960s.
The Rolling Stones’ ability to experiment with different musical styles and themes in “Paint It, Black” showcases their versatility as a band and their willingness to push the boundaries of rock music. The song stands as a testament to The Rolling Stones’ enduring impact on the evolution of rock and their ability to create music that resonates across generations.
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Lyrics
“Paint It Black”
I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colours anymore, I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by, dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goesI see a line of cars and they’re all painted black
With flowers and my love both never to come back
I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a newborn baby, it just happens every dayI look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door, I must have it painted black
Maybe then I’ll fade away and not have to face the facts
It’s not easy facing up when your whole world is blackNo more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not foresee this thing happening to you
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me before the morning comesI see a red door and I want it painted black
No colours anymore, I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by, dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goesHmm, hmm, hmm…
I wanna see it painted, painted black
Black as night, black as coal
I wanna see the sun blotted out from the sky
I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted blackYeah!
Hmm, hmm, hmm…
