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This week’s Song of the Week is the Rolling Stones’ brilliant 1966 recording “Paint it Black.” “Paint it Black” was released on single in May 1966, backed with “Stupid Girl” in the US and “Long Long While” in the UK. It was also the lead track on the US version of the album “Aftermath”, and appeared on the UK version of the 1966 compilation “Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass).”

“Paint it Black” has some of the bleakest lyrics of any Rolling Stones track. It communicates feelings of anger and depression at the loss of a loved one. The lyric “I see a line of cars and they’re all painted black” does seem to describe a funeral procession, but it’s possible that this imagery is intended to be symbolic rather than literal – referring to the death of a relationship, rather than a person. In any case, such is the character’s despair that he wants to metaphorically paint the whole world black in order that there are no hurtful reminders of better times.

The song has taken on an association with the Vietnam war, not least because it was used as the theme for the television series “Tour of Duty” (1987-90) and also featured in the classic Vietnam movie “Full Metal Jacket” (1987). Some have surmised that the song is a protest song about Vietnam, but that seems a stretch.

“Paint it Black” is also notable as one of the first pop songs to feature a sitar. George Harrison had used the instrument on “Norwegian Wood” the previous year and it was during a visit with Harrison that Brian Jones was inspired to take up the instrument.

Charlie Watts’ double-time drum pattern was reportedly the result of a lighthearted jam with bassist Bill Wyman on organ. It became an essential element of the recording, driving the song forward and adding to the sense of urgency and confusion.

The Rolling Stones – “Paint it Black”

Authorship

“Paint It Black” was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

Recording date/location

“Paint It Black” was recorded from 6-9 March, 1966 at RCA Studios, 6363 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, California.

Musicians

The following musicians appeared on “Paint It Black”:

• Mick Jagger – lead vocals
• Keith Richards – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
• Brian Jones – sitar
• Bill Wyman – bass pedals of Hammond B3 organ
• Charlie Watts – drums
• Jack Nitzsche – piano.

Chart performance

“Paint It Black” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK singles chart.

The album on which “Paint It Black” appeared, “Aftermath”, reached number two on the Billboard album chart.

Covers

Eric Burdon and the Animals – “Paint it Black”

The Animals broke up in 1966 but lead singer Eric Burdon soon established a new line-up which was known as Eric Burdon and the Animals. It was this second incarnation of the Animals that recorded a great cover of “Paint it Black” for their 1967 album “Winds of Change.” The strong bass work, extended guitar parts, and Burdon’s high powered vocals and lyrical adlibs make this cover an imaginative departure from the original. The band also performed the song live at the Monterey Pop Festival.

This video also includes the song “All is One” from the band’s album “The Twain Small Meet“.

Vanessa Carlton – “Paint it Black”

Vanessa Carlton covered “Paint it Black” in 2002 on her debut album “Be Not Nobody“, which also included the hit single “A Thousand Miles.”

Carlton delivered a solid cover, incorporating elements from the original but also effectively modifying the tempo and percussion style in places.

The Standells – “Paint it Black”

LA rockers The Standells featured “Paint it Black” on their 1966 album “Dirty Water.” Their version has a lot in common with the original, so they don’t score highly for originality, but it’s a great recording.

The Standells opened for the Rolling Stones on their US tour in 1967.

There will be a new Song of the Week on February 28.

The Rolling Stones’ “Paint it Black” appears on the US version of the band’s album “Aftermath” and on a number of compilations, including “Jump Back: The Best Of The Rolling Stones: ’71-’93.”

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