About the song
“Paint It Black” is a landmark song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones. Released in 1966, it became a chart-topping phenomenon and a defining track of the band’s career. This song’s significance goes beyond catchy melodies and electrifying performances. It marked a turning point for the Stones, showcasing their artistic evolution and experimentation.
Origins and Influences
The song emerged from a series of improvisations by Brian Jones on the sitar, an Indian instrument. This innovative approach reflected the growing interest in Eastern music within rock circles. While Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote the lyrics and chord progression, the final arrangement was a collaborative effort, heavily influenced by Jones’ sitar melodies and Bill Wyman’s distinctive bass line.
Musical Innovation and Genre-Bending
“Paint It Black” defied the conventional rock structure of the time. It lacked a traditional refrain, instead opting for a series of verses building towards a frenetic conclusion. The prominent sitar infused the song with an Eastern soundscape, blurring the lines between rock and roll and raga rock, a newly emerging genre. The song’s dark and brooding atmosphere, further emphasized by Jagger’s haunting vocals, added to its unconventional appeal.
Lyrical Ambiguity and Interpretation
The song’s lyrics, painted in color metaphors, explore themes of grief, loss, and despair. The lines “I see a red door and I want it painted black” are open to interpretation, sparking debate among fans and critics alike. Some view them as a representation of overwhelming sadness, while others find deeper meanings related to disillusionment or even drug experiences.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Initial reactions to “Paint It Black” were mixed. Some saw the sitar as a mere imitation of the Beatles’ experimentation. However, the song’s undeniable power and originality soon won over audiences and critics. It became the Rolling Stones’ third US number one single and secured their place at the forefront of rock music.
“Paint It Black” continues to be celebrated as a rock classic. It has been covered by countless artists, featured in numerous films, and remains a staple of the Rolling Stones’ live performances. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it among the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and the Recording Academy inducted it into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
A Turning Point for the Rolling Stones
“Paint It Black” stands as a testament to the Rolling Stones’ artistic growth. It showcased their willingness to push boundaries and incorporate new sounds into their music. The song’s success solidified their image as a band unafraid to experiment and challenge the status quo. This spirit of innovation would continue to define their career, shaping them into one of the most influential rock bands in history.
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Lyrics
I see a red door
And I want it painted black
No colors 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 goes
I see a line of cars
And they’re all painted black
With flowers and my love
Both never to come back
I’ve seen people turn their heads
And quickly look away
Like a newborn baby
It just happens everyday
I 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 black
No 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 comes
I see a red door
And I want it painted black
No colors 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 goes
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 black, yeah