Paint it, Black, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and released by The Rolling Stones in 1966, explores themes of grief and despair, inspired by the death of Marianne Faithfulls first boyfriend, who was a close friend of Jagger. The songs melancholy is enhanced by Brian Jones innovative use of the sitar, contributing to the tracks enduring popularity.
Key: Em
Introduction:EmBEm
EmB I see a red door and I want it painted black. EmB No colours anymore, I want them to turn black. EmDGDEm I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes. EmDGDAB I have to turn my head until my darkness goes.
EmB I see a line of cars and they're all painted black. EmB With flowers and my love both never to come back. EmDGDEm I see people turn their heads and quickly look away. EmDGDAB Like a newborn baby it just happens every day.
EmB I look inside myself and see my heart is black. EmB I see my red door, I must have it painted black EmDGDEm Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts. EmDGDAB It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black.
EmB No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue. EmB I could not forsee this thing happening to you. EmDGDEm If I look hard enough into the setting sun EmDGDAB My love will laugh with me before the morning comes.
EmB I see a red door and I want it painted black. EmB No colours anymore, I want them to turn black. EmDGDEm I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes. EmDGDAB I have to turn my head until my darkness goes.
EmB EmB EmB EmB EmB I wanna see it painted, painted black, black as night, black as coal EmB I wanna see the sun blotted out from the sky EmB I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted black, yeah