Paint It Black Quotes

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Source: Paint It Black

Speaker: The Rolling Stones

"I see a red door and I want it painted black."

I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colours anymore, I want them to turn black

Context

This line was sung by the Rolling Stones in the song "Paint It Black," written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, on the album Aftermath (1966).

"Paint It Black" is definitely the definitive song about home remodeling. We're really surprised that Home Depot or Ikea hasn't licensed it for one of their ads yet.

Songwriters Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (who is Captain Jack Sparrow's dad) actually wrote "Paint It Black" about depression and the colors it evokes. This is why the intro is sad and moody before erupting into a guitar riff from Richards. Because everyone deserves a happy ending.

Also there's a sitar in the song—which is easily the most underrated instrument, and the best part of this 60s rock classic.

Where you've heard it

This song is one of the Rolling Stones' most popular so you've probably heard it when your aunt or uncle switched over to the classic rock station on a long road trip.

Additional Notable References: 

  • Irish rock legends U2 did a cover of the song as a special B-side in 1991.
  • There is a 2006 novel called Paint it Black by Janet Fitch. It is not about the Rolling Stones.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Black goes with everything, but commenting on your host's interior decorating skills is kind of rude.