About the song
“Paint It Black” is a groundbreaking song that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Released in 1966, this raga rock masterpiece was the result of a collaborative effort between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two of the most iconic songwriters in rock history. The song’s unique blend of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European influences, combined with its haunting lyrics about grief and loss, set it apart from the band’s earlier work and paved the way for a new era of musical experimentation.
The song’s origins can be traced back to a series of improvisational melodies played by Brian Jones on the sitar, an instrument that would become a defining feature of the song. The final arrangement featured all five members of the band, with Jagger and Richards credited as songwriters. In contrast to the band’s earlier singles, which were characterized by straightforward rock arrangements, “Paint It Black” was a bold departure, featuring unconventional instrumentation such as the sitar, Hammond organ, and castanets.
The song’s innovative style and use of the sitar were influential in shaping the burgeoning psychedelic genre, and it remains one of the most iconic and enduring songs in the Rolling Stones’ discography. Despite receiving mixed reviews at the time of its release, “Paint It Black” went on to become a major chart success, topping the charts in the US, UK, Canada, and the Netherlands, and earning a platinum certification in the UK and Italy. The song’s impact has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which have both inducted “Paint It Black” into their respective halls of fame. With its haunting melody, innovative instrumentation, and enduring popularity, “Paint It Black” remains a testament to the Rolling Stones’ status as one of the most influential and beloved rock bands of all time.
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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