The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music. Their song “Paint It Black” is one of their most popular and recognizable songs. Released in 1966, the song has stood the test of time and still resonates with audiences today. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics of “Paint It Black” and explore the meaning behind them.
The 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 see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a newborn baby it just happens every day
It’s not easy facin’ 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 settin’ sun
My love will laugh with me before the mornin’ 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 your face painted black, black as night
Don’t wanna see the sun flyin’ high in the sky
I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted black, yeah
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Paint It Black” have been subject to much interpretation over the years. Some suggest that the song is about depression, while others believe it is about the Vietnam War. However, the most common interpretation is that the song is about grief and mourning.
The opening lines “I see a red door and I want it painted black” suggest that the protagonist is experiencing a great deal of pain and sadness. He wants everything around him to be black, to match his mood. The line “no colors anymore, I want them to turn black” reinforces this idea.
The reference to “girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes” suggests that life goes on around the protagonist, even though he is consumed by grief. He has to turn his head away from the world until his “darkness goes.”
The line “It’s not easy facin’ up, when your whole world is black” implies that the protagonist is struggling to come to terms with his loss. The reference to the “green sea” turning a deeper blue suggests that he is struggling to find hope in the world.
The final lines of the song “I wanna see your face painted black, black as night” suggest that the protagonist is mourning the loss of a loved one. He wants to see their face painted black, as a symbol of his grief.
Conclusion
“Paint It Black” is a powerful and emotional song that has touched audiences for over 50 years. The lyrics explore the themes of grief and mourning, and the desire to shut out the world and succumb to sadness. The song remains as relevant today as it did when it was first released, and will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
