About the song
**”Paint It Black”** is a seminal track by the English rock band The Rolling Stones, showcasing a bold departure from their traditional rock sound. Released as a single on May 7, 1966, in the United States by London Records, and on May 13, 1966, in the United Kingdom by Decca Records, the song quickly became a significant milestone in the band’s career. It later appeared as the opening track on the American version of their 1966 studio album *Aftermath*, though it was not included in the original UK release.
Co-written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, “Paint It Black” is notable for its incorporation of raga rock elements, blending Indian, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European influences. The song’s distinctive sound features an Indian sitar, played by Brian Jones, whose improvisational melodies were central to the song’s development. The use of unconventional instruments, such as the Hammond organ and castanets, alongside the sitar, marked a notable shift from the straightforward rock arrangements of the band’s earlier singles. This experimentation in instrumentation helped define the song’s unique, psychedelic vibe.
Despite some mixed reviews at the time—where critics debated whether the sitar was a Beatles-inspired gimmick or an innovative musical choice—”Paint It Black” achieved substantial commercial success. It topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and remained on the chart for eleven weeks total. In the UK, it topped the Record Retailer chart for one week and was a major hit in Canada and the Netherlands as well. The song was certified platinum in the UK and Italy, reflecting its widespread acclaim and enduring popularity.
The track’s impact extended beyond its initial release. In 2007, “Paint It Black” reentered the UK Singles Chart, and it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 213 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and it was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of “The Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll” in 2011.
Throughout the years, “Paint It Black” has been covered by various artists, featured in numerous compilation albums, and included in several film soundtracks. Its powerful, haunting melody and innovative use of the sitar continue to influence musicians and captivate listeners, solidifying its place as one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and enduring songs.
Video
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