About the song
“Paint It Black” is a quintessential track by The Rolling Stones, emblematic of their innovative spirit during the mid-1960s. Released as a single on May 7, 1966, in the United States and a week later in the United Kingdom, this song marked a significant departure from the band’s previous rock arrangements. It was the opening track on the American version of their 1966 studio album *Aftermath*, although it was not included on the original UK release.
The genesis of “Paint It Black” is rooted in a series of improvisational melodies played by Brian Jones on the sitar, which added a distinctive and exotic flavor to the song. While Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are credited as the songwriters, all five members of the band contributed to the arrangement, with Brian Jones’s sitar work and Bill Wyman’s Hammond organ creating a unique soundscape that departed from the band’s more traditional rock and roll style. The song’s instrumentation, including the prominent sitar, Hammond organ, and castanets, set it apart from contemporary tracks and aligned it with the burgeoning psychedelic genre.
“Paint It Black” achieved remarkable commercial success, topping the charts in the US for two weeks and in the UK for one week, among other international hits. Its impact was so profound that it was reissued in 2007, re-entering the UK Singles Chart and reaffirming its lasting popularity. This success was complemented by the song’s critical acclaim; it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018 and is ranked number 213 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The song’s haunting lyrics, which explore themes of grief and loss, are matched by its innovative use of the sitar and its raga rock influences. These elements contributed to its reputation as a pioneering track in the genre. Despite some initial skepticism from critics who saw the sitar as a mere Beatles imitation, “Paint It Black” has since been recognized for its bold experimentation and its role in broadening the appeal of the sitar in rock music.
The legacy of “Paint It Black” endures through its numerous covers and inclusion in various compilations and soundtracks. It remains a staple in The Rolling Stones’ live performances and is celebrated for its distinctive sound and powerful emotional impact, cementing its place as one of the defining songs of the 1960s.
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