Paint It, Black Lyrics – The Rolling Stones

[Verse 2]
The second verse continues the theme of darkness and loss. Jagger observes a line of cars that are all painted black, possibly symbolizing a funeral procession. The reference to flowers and love never coming back alludes to the idea of death and the permanence of loss. People turning their heads and looking away may indicate the discomfort or avoidance that often accompanies discussions of death and grief....Read More

[Verse 3]
In the third verse, Jagger reflects on his own emotions. He sees that his heart is black, suggesting that he is overwhelmed by sadness or negativity. He again mentions the red door, expressing a desire to have it painted black, perhaps as a way to match his inner feelings with his external surroundings. This verse touches on the difficulty of facing a world that seems entirely bleak.

[Verse 4]
Here, the lyrics touch on the idea of inevitability and unforeseen circumstances. The green sea turning a deeper blue suggests a loss of optimism and hope. Jagger couldn't have predicted the events that led to this change in his perspective. Looking at the setting sun symbolizes contemplating the past and the fading of love, but there's a glimmer of hope that his love will return before the darkness of night (troubles) fully engulfs him.

[Verse 5]
The fifth verse revisits the desire to see everything painted black. Jagger's insistence on this desire suggests a longing for a complete transformation, a way to escape the emotional turmoil and darkness that he feels. The repetition of seeing the girls in their summer clothes and having to turn away underscores the idea that even the beauty of the world cannot dispel his inner darkness.

[Outro]
The outro repeats the desire to see everything painted black, emphasizing the yearning for a world devoid of color and brightness. It suggests that this desire is so strong that he wants even the sun to be blotted out from the sky, which symbolizes a profound desire for an escape from reality or a fresh start.

Overall, "Paint It, Black" is a song about emotional turmoil, loss, and the struggle to cope with darkness. It explores themes of depression, mourning, and a longing for change, with the repeated desire to paint everything black symbolizing a desire to shut out the world's colors and emotions as a coping mechanism. It's a powerful and evocative song that captures the complexity of human emotions. ...Read Less