VIDEO | "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones

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BAND | The Rolling Stones

"Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones

Last updated 📅 2025-04-11

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.

BAND: The Rolling Stones
GENRE: Psychedelic, Raga Rock
OTHER: Cruisin Classic
RELEASEDAY: May 07
YEAR: 1966
CATEGORY: All Time Favorite Music
HASHTAGS: #TheRollingStones #Psychedelic #RagaRock #CruisinClassic #May07

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"The Rolling Stones"

The Rolling Stones, the epitome of rock and roll longevity, defined generations with their blues-based swagger and rebellious attitude. Led by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the British legends remain globally iconic stadium-fillers. Discover the timeless riffs and enduring energy of The Rolling Stones.

Active since 1962, The Rolling Stones' career represents an unparalleled journey through rock history, with activities continuing across many decades. Key creative peaks occurred throughout, including around 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1978, 1981, and 1986, showcasing remarkable adaptability. Their sound, rooted in rock and roll and blues rock, expanded to encompass hard rock intensity, psychedelic experimentation, raga rock textures, boogie rock grooves, soulful explorations, disco beats, dance-rock energy, and tender soft rock moments. This constant evolution produced countless cruising classics and demonstrated The Rolling Stones’ mastery over rock's changing landscape. Their vast catalog includes many of the most iconic and defining songs in rock and roll history. Instantly recognizable guitar riffs power anthems of youthful rebellion, raw desire, and enduring stage presence...

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BAND | The Rolling Stones

"One Hit (to the Body)" by The Rolling Stones

Feel the impact of The Rolling Stones' hard-hitting 1986 rock track, "One Hit (to the Body)"! The powerful opener from Dirty Work, this song features intense guitar interplay, including a contribution from Jimmy Page, delivering a raw, aggressive hard rock statement.

Released as a single from the 1986 album Dirty Work, "One Hit (to the Body)" showcased The Rolling Stones embracing a contemporary hard rock sound. Featuring fiery guitar exchanges between Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and guest Jimmy Page, the track captured the intense energy of the band...

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