Paint It, Black

Immerse yourself in the dark psychedelia of The Rolling Stones' iconic 1966 masterpiece, "Paint It, Black." Defined by Brian Jones' haunting sitar riff and a frantic rhythm, this track became a global number one hit, showcasing the band's experimental side and influencing raga rock.

Released as a groundbreaking single in 1966 and featured on the US version of the album Aftermath, "Paint It, Black" marked a significant sonic departure for The Rolling Stones. Its innovative use of sitar, combined with Bill Wyman's driving bass and Charlie Watts' propulsive drumming, created a unique psychedelic and raga rock soundscape.

This 1966 classic captures profound despair through Mick Jagger's bleak vocal delivery and the song's modal melody. The fusion of Eastern instrumentation with rock energy made "Paint It, Black" a landmark recording of the psychedelic era and one of the Stones' most enduring and powerful songs.

SONG MEANING: The lyrics express overwhelming grief, darkness, and depression following the death of a loved one. The singer wants everything around them to reflect their inner turmoil ("I see a red door and I want it painted black"), unable to experience joy or color ("I have to turn my head until my darkness goes") due to the magnitude of their loss.