“Paint It Black ” by The Rolling Stones

• Genre: Raga Rock/Psychedelic Rock
• Single Release Date: May 1966
• Album: “Aftermath“

One of the most successful Rolling Stones singles this for me typifies 60s rock. At the time the use of the sitar was criticised for copying the Beatles but the song would be nothing without it.

Despite the upbeat tone of the music the song is actually about grief and loss.

It has been used multiple times in TV and movie soundtracks as well as video games but I first heard it on “Full Metal Jacket“.

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

Header image from 8Tracks.com