First Time Hearing The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black Reaction- OKAY, THIS IS ABSOLUTE FIRE!

[@navagate1900]

The song was about a funeral, his girlfriend died. " I see a line of cars and they're all painted black. With flowers and my love, both never to come back.

[@solitarybee3714]

It should be obvious, but I think at least half of those reacting to this song never catch on to that (very sad) lyric. I'm not sure our reactors here, realize it either. To me, this is one of the very best recordings the Stones have ever done.

[@gsparkman]

@@solitarybee3714That’s true for me. I was around when this song was released, but was only 11 or 12. I dug the music, but the meaning of the lyrics didn’t sink in until many years later. It’s really a masterful piece of songwriting.

[@graemey]

@@solitarybee3714 Easy to miss the lyric when you just have the audio... but when you have the lyrics on screen in front of you...

[@terri2494]

@@graemey I kept waiting for them to comment on the lyrics too. I have to remind myself that they are hearing the song for the first time and there’s a lot to process. The music really is great and it starts before the lyrics. I’m with gsparkman. I was four when this came out in 1966 but I don’t remember being aware of it until I was in high school or college. I loved the sound of it and thought he was a spoilsport who just wanted everyone to be as miserable as he was. (I struggled with depression for many years so I could relate.) I would sometimes catch enough of the lyrics to wonder what had happened to “you”, whoever he was talking to, but you can’t hit rewind when it’s on the radio and we didn’t have the luxury of being able to look up the lyrics or meaning on the internet.

[@tonygallo2361]

ty i never knew that

[@peggykunkel9180]

As a teenager I loved this song for the instrumentation. As an adult I pay more attention to the lyrics and how well it describes the feeling when a loved one dies. They did a brilliant job with this song.

[@ARD-lk5pr]

Same. What a drag it is getting old...

[@dano49]

@@ARD-lk5pr As far as I can tell, getting old beats the alternative.

[@steffaniebrian4344]

Yeah wasn’t until I was an adult I really heard the lyrics...Because I could genuinely feel them. They’re amazing.

[@mimikurtz2162]

@@dano49 "Forever young" would be my preference.

[@mimikurtz2162]

For most of my life I was a sociopath and as a teenager this song was one of the very few that I felt. More recently as a post-PTSD old man it now appeals to me on more levels than just primordial instinct. And then there's 'Sympathy For The Devil' and 'Gimme Shelter' ..........

[@jerrymeadows5059]

This song was indeed a theme song. It was the theme for a TV Show in the late eighties called Tour of Duty which was about the Viet Nam War, which after the movie Platoon proved that America was finally ready to look at the war as drama and something more than just tragedy. It was an excellent choice since Paint It Black was already fixed in the minds of people as one of those songs' regardless of their true inspiration which were inextricably linked to the war.

[@dalesands1857]

"I see a line of cars and they're all painted black" "With flowers and my love both never to come back" He's talking about a funeral.

[@dantallman5345]

Sympathy or the Devil is iconic. Thought provoking and musically really unique.

[@paulkane7771]

Either or? *for

[@dantallman5345]

@@paulkane7771 D’oh! 😀

[@genie674]

My favourite Stones song, Sympathy for the Devil.

[@ericanderson8886]

Brian Jones on the Sitar. Love that era of the Stones, so psychedelic and experimental, but still playing lots of blues songs as well.

[@dagmar.6954]

My favorite era of The Rolling Stones is from the 60's. I loved the "Flowers" album. They had a lot of great early hits such as "Ruby Tuesday", "Get Off Of My Cloud", "Let's Spend The Night Together", "Satisfaction", "Jumpin' Jack Flash", "Honky Tonk Women", "You Can't Always Get What You Want", "Gimme Shelter", "Tumbling Dice", "Brown Sugar" etc.

[@larryg7126]

I liked the Flowers (Sittin' On A Fence) album also, you don't hear that mentioned often. That and the Aftermath (Going Home & Flight 505) album.

[@mrheem44]

that was a helluva compilation . released in US only I think Cheers

[@cesarnarro6013]

Late 60's early 70's Rolling Stones is my favorite rock band ever

[@tessasnow]

Don’t forget mother’s little helper 🇨🇦🖖🏻

[@johnvinkecity-bouw7204]

​. Yes

[@jerrybourland3346]

One of the "Anthems" of the Vietnam War!

[@workingman6681]

Sympathy for the Devil should definately be your next Rolling Stones reactions🎶👍

[@kevin982]

The guitar work is out of this world. Almost speaks.

[@primalengland]

I’m 69, so obviously grew up with the Stones. They wrote some pretty dark stuff, especially in the early days. Sympathy For The Devil and Gimme Shelter are most popular on the Tube. Gimme Shelter for reasons that I and many more would point out if you reacted to it. ‘Wait for Merry’s voice to crack.’

[@alanpeterson4939]

68 here. The story behind her performance makes the song even more poignant.

[@SargonofQueens]

This song paint it black and gimme shelter are my most favorite songs. I can’t decide which one is better.

[@JonHammerHeart]

No one is to blame for the culture that surrounds them as they grow. The important thing is you've discovered a very rich musical world; one that will forever enrich your lives. Try "Wild Horses" or "You Can't Always Get What You Want" if you want a Stone's ballad. Or "Tumblin Dice" and "Sympathy for the Devil" for some upbeat suggestions. They have so many. Thank you for doing this one!

[@coffee-xg6my]

The instrument you're hearing is a Sitar which is used in a lot of Indian music. "Paint It Black" song was written by Mick Jaggar and Keith Richards after being influenced by the Beatles "Norwegian Wood" in which George Harrison introduced the Sitar into their music on the 1965 "Rubber Soul" album after returning from their time spent in India. Brian Jones of the Stones had some discussions with George and being a multi-instrumentalist himself started playing around with the Sitar more and developed a melodic line that eventually morphed into "Paint It Black". Jagger and Richards wrote the Lyrics and the basic chord progressions. Oh, and Sam mentioned she's heard "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" That was their first hit in America in 1965.

[@andrewbrennan7291]

It's the mid-60s and love songs were: "Boy Meets Girl, Boy Loses Girl, Boy Gets Girl Back" So the Stones came up with "Boy Loses Girl, The End"

[@shanenolan5625]

The rolling stones is an essential rabbit hole to go down. Dozens of hits

[@sammurphy3343]

"I have to turn my head until my darkness goes" is exactly what it sounds like.

[@richardrobinson4020]

RIP Charlie Watts Driving Percussion

[@craggles7538]

Stones are great couple of suggestions Satisfaction Gimme shelter

[@dragonmac1234]

As a member of the older generation who grew up listening to music on vinyl records (there were no CD's or streaming music in the 70's), it's good to hear people of any age discovering great music for the first time. RIP Charlie Watts.

[@robertdysonn]

The first album I bought was a record, and then I went into cassettes, so I’m not quite as far back but in those days the only way we had to hear new music was on the radio, we could not just get online and enter a band name, and find the music to check them out.

[@jonbrooks5246]

My 4 favorites are Satisfaction, Paint it Black, Ruby Tuesday and Get Off My Cloud.

[@arjaylee]

You can spend ages discovering The Rolling Stones. My dad didn’t tolerate rebellion in our house, so I rebelled vicariously through the Stones

[@patswanson2870]

The instrument you are thinking of is a sitar. It is an East Indian guitar type of instrument

[@crecland]

Gimme Shelter and Brown Sugar is a must

[@HenrikRClausen]

Brown Sugar being what, exactly?

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Gotta love those up and down glissandos on the bass guitar during the outro ...

[@JCourts2k23]

My favorite song of theirs! I've heard it in a few military movies to

[@Remnants100]

The Indian instrument was the Sitar. George Harrison used it after The Beatles went through their Eastern mystic phase. I believe both George and Keith Richards (of 'The Stones') spent some time under the tutelage of Ravi Shankar.

[@duncanmaclennan9151]

CAN"T YOU HEAR ME KNOCKING,,,,,,,,,,,IS THEIR #ONE SONG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THANKS IN ADVANCE !!!

[@okmickey232]

The Rolling Stones are iconic....Sympathy for the devil, honky tonk woman, brown sugar, Gimme shelter....and your only scratching the surface.

[@jeffmazzoli9910]

It would take a few years going thru the entire Stones catalog

[@harlanginsberg7269]

Gimme Shelter. Can't You Hear Me Knocking. You Can't Always Get What You Want and of course Sympathy For the Devil. After that there's many more.

[@Mr.Huck64]

Unfortunately my wife passed away last year, and it wasn't long before I realized this song encapsulated many of my emotions, from the deep sadness/despair to the rage/anger that this would happen so soon in our lives. I'd read a little about how this song was constructed. And since then I've had more regard (respect?) for Mick, Keith, Ron, Charlie, Bill and Brian's work. Considering some of their other hits, I see why they're ranked as one of the greatest blues/rock and roll bands. I usually don't post my personal 'issues' but their discussion prompted me. The instrument that struck me in this song is the sitar, something Brian played for the song.

[@barsandbarbells2022]

So sorry for you loss!

[@Mr.Huck64]

@@barsandbarbells2022 I appreciate it. Keep up the reactions. It provides another 'medium' people to connect. Carry on.

[@jimreid4367]

This was the theme song for US TV Show " Tour of Duty " 1987 - 1990 a show about US Soldiers in Vietnam . Well worth a watch a great show .

[@RobertBreedon-c3b]

The worlds Greatest Rock & Roll Band

[@tessasnow]

I came to understand this song when my 17 year old son passed away…all my friends walked away…too hard to watch me grieve I guess…my heart is still black 🇨🇦🖖🏻

[@Littlebigbot]

I've been there.

[@barsandbarbells2022]

Sorry to hear this 🫶

[@tessasnow]

@@barsandbarbells2022 you guys make me smile. Loved the meatloaf reaction 🇨🇦🖖🏻

[@edruidviking]

So sorry to hear, been through a similar experience, over 11 years ago. Part of me probably will never full heal, it’s been an amazing journey though where I was forced to reinvent myself or basically just call it quits. To come to terms with the irreconcilable, to walk through that lonely, lonely, long valley of pain and come out the other side with more self love than I ever had before. A path of forgiveness and compassion, for yourself and all that is. I wish you strength and send you all my love ❤

[@tessasnow]

@@edruidviking thanks, it was in ‘02, an unexpected head injury while stunt blading…he was such a talented artist…would have gone places…I’ve never fully recovered…think I’m as good as I’ll get, but my heart is still black. I miss him fierce!! I’m so glad you made it through…I’m stuck in the valley…🇨🇦🖖🏻

[@rolandgustafsson5655]

Hi guys🙂 Great song from the 1960 when i was a teen😁.Today i´m a 72 year old Swedish senior and still love good music like you😏There's a lot of great instruments in this track,besides drums🥁 and guitar's 🎸there is an Indian guitar like thing called Sitar,sound almost like a ordinary guitar.The beatles used to use the same instrument in some of there songs.😊 See ya soon😉

[@mamaflush9945]

Here's a live performance, if interested. "The Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want (Official Video) [4K]" this song is from their album called "Let It Bleed" released in 1969. We are truly blessed to be able to watch these wonderful performances. This band was one of the best around, hands down. Mick Jaguar was not only a great vocalist he was also an incredible performer. Thanks for this reaction ❤‍🔥

[@glenngotling657]

Next songs should be Gimme Shelter, You Can't Always Get Want You Want, Sympathy For The Devil, and about a million more.

[@freeforever6971]

I did see the stones in 78 but they had always been around for 15 years before that! Thanks for a great song!

[@vernhoke7730]

This was probably the first Stones song I heard many decades ago. Exposure to different types of music depends on whether or not your parents may have listened to it. My parents didn't, I took the journey on my own finding it in the radio and going from there. My kids on the other hand learned from the old man.

[@spoonunit03]

If you were impressed now, imagine how freaked out we were when we first heard this stuff in the 60's. Still groovy after all these years.

[@imbubbymom]

A man who can't see or find joy in the world anymore after a loved one's passing, most likely a wife or a lover.

[@lawrencekoprowski6480]

Yes he lost his love and the pain he feels turns his whole world black.

[@ciscochief]

Satisfaction, Honky Tonk Woman, Gimme Shelter, Miss You, Beast of Burden, Angie....Some great Stones songs!

[@DunceInAwhile]

This is still my favorite Rolling Stones song.

[@vovindequasahi]

This song kicks ass! Dark fucking lyrics... total Stones!

[@DrTramp-uu1hh]

This is early Stones when Brian Jones was alive and adding his considerable multi instrumental talents to the group. Here he's playing a sitar which gives the song that oriental twang.

[@stephanieclark9849]

*He's in mourning because a woman he loved has died. The lyrics of "I see a line of cars and they're all painted black" (funeral procession). Then the next line is "With flowers and my love both never to come back". That's why he can't look at other girls and doesn't want to see anything in color. He wants everything to be black to match the sadness he feels.*

[@DavidGigg]

Brian Jones on the Sitar gives this song that 'Indian' feeling

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Song played at end of Pacino's movie devils advocate. Greatest rock and roll band of all time guys.

[@roseoconnor5938]

With 23 Top Tens and 8 number ones...The Stones are still performing ...." Jumping Jack flash ", You can't always get what you want, Tumbling dice, Miss you, Angie, are some of my faves 👍

[@rudymorganti7155]

Can't go roung with the Stones. 🤘❤️. Greetings from 🇮🇹🇧🇪🇪🇺

[@brettg274]

You may have lived under a rock … … but now you just ROCK 🤟

[@LadyDoe17]

This was featured in the Kevin Bacon movie “stir of echos” (great movie and this fits it perfectly)

[@robertlear2712]

A great Rolling Stones song is “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking”

[@MrNormaltoo]

19th Nervous Breakdown is one of their early hits that seemed to get everyone's attention.

[@EW-gv5ov]

“Gimme Shelter”. “Get off my cloud” . “Can’t you hear me knocking” “I can’t get no satisfaction “

[@Victor-vb4iz]

Can't go wrong with any Stones songs! Hope in future you can do SATISFACTION.

[@gordonwaldner9792]

The Stones at their best. What a sound.

[@richardhansen3703]

It's always easy to forget how sad this song actually is. He's so depressed that he wants everything painted black.😢

[@fionaspath3332]

This song came out when I was in 8th grade...Living in the Philippines...where they brought all the wounded from Vietnam...😓

[@TheMartinChronicles]

Fantastic song. I think my first exposure to this was as the theme song for the 80's TV show "Tour of Duty" set during the Vietnam War.

[@doriwiljt]

“Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” is a must listen

[@kevin982]

My second favourite Rolling Stone song. My favourite is Sympathy for the Devil.

[@johnniekight1879]

It's a sitar. Most upbeat sad song ever. Sympathy For The Devil, Can't You Hear Me Knockin', Backstreet Girl.

[@mikechiarelli6895]

Awesome song. So many terrific Stones songs- Honky Tonk Woman, Wild Horses, Angie, Sympathy for a Devil, You Can’t Always Get What You Want. These are among my favourites but there are so many more.

[@AW11-e4h]

Greatest Rock n Roll band ever 🤘🤘

[@kjmorley]

It’s the sitar that gives it the Middle Eastern vibe. Also see Beatles “Norwegian Wood” and “Within You Without You”. I’m looking forward to your journey through the Stones catalog. It is huge. So many amazing songs!

[@36karpatoruski]

Their best rocker, used frequently to close live shows - Jumpin’ Jack Flash. You’re welcome.

[@johnlamere2189]

The opening riff was played by Brian Jones on a Sitar (An Indian instrument). Another tune from that time that uses a Sitar is "Norwegian wood" by "The Beatles".

[@jayhpaq]

The open riff is played by Keith Richard on guitar. Brian does the riff solo on sitar during the refrain, “No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue “ when the rest of the instruments fall silent. You can tell the difference as it has a gentler tone than the guitar.

[@tuckers02]

This is my favorite song by The Rolling Stones, one of my favorite songs of all times. Next I would suggest Sympathy for the Devil.

[@justmoose6534]

The Stones' guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones played the Sitar on this song. That is where the Indian sound is coming from.

[@ed.z.]

Stones hit records are essential listening.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

One of my fave Stones songs! ♥ Suggest these Stones songs: Gimme Shelter, Brown Sugar, Start Me Up, Honky Tonk Woman, Angie & Start Me Up You need to check out Bob Dylan! I suggest these songs: Like a Rolling Stone, Tangled Up in Blue, Shelter From The Storm, & Visions of Johanna

[@firedoc5]

When you hear that drum in the intro, you reach over and turn the volume up to 11. This song has been used so many soundtracks, especially for the Viet Nam War themed movies and shows. The Stone's catalog of music is large and quite diverse. For one of their songs which is a departure of their harder songs is "Wild Horses", which is probably my favorite Stone's song.

[@dvsreed]

Sympathy for the Devil and Gimme Shelter are probably their best songs although this song is also really good. I always liked the song Angie also.

[@ordinary_indonesian]

My favorites are Heart of stone, As tears go by, Wild horses

[@deanmaynard8256]

One of their best songs in my opinion.

[@colinl854]

With the Rolling Stones you have a vast catalogue of work to listen to, and many hits ranging from early blues covers to pop, I never tire of listening to 'Little Red Rooster'

[@markhinde6187]

I grew up listening to the Rolling stones in the 60's.... My dad playing them on his record player.... happy days

[@johndillon1299]

Do the first three songs of the album" Sticky Fingers" and that's who the Rolling Stones are for sure.

[@757optim]

Drummer Charlie Watts passed away August 24, 2021. RIP charlie.

[@thomasisking]

I was a 60's teenager in the UK and the Stones offered so much musically to me. Heavily influenced by the blues they brought with it rock and roll in a format that appealed to so many. Their live performances have always been great to watch. So much more to their songs than people realise. I suggest the reactors read up on what the lyrics are about for the songs they listen to. The Stones were not adverse to writing about difficult topics. For one and arguably their most political song, Undercover of the Night, is definitely one for your list to react to. Plus, Midnight Rambler is based on the Boston Strangler's murders. This one is another dark song from the 60's, ironically written in one of the most beautiful places in Europe - Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Others on this thread have listed many of the Stones more popular songs. I am a lyricist for a 1970's rock band, still performing live gigs and producing the odd album. I admire the staying power of the Stones and the glorious music they produced. Lucky to have been around at the same time as these guys 😊.

[@angelado3]

"The general consensus is that the Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” is based on the narrator grieving over a deceased romantic partner."

[@brandyperry-giotis9962]

SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL PLEASE!! 💜

[@1calvinfunny1]

There are so many great Stones songs and we all have our favorites, like the one you just listen to. You can also add It's All Over Now, It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll, Can't You Hear Me Knocking, Honky Tonk Women and She's A Rainbow....Not their biggest hits but all very good...

[@rickwelch8464]

I have a love/hate relationship w this song. Since I can remember, any time I got into a fight, either hands or other (combat vet) this riff was in my head while it was happening. It starts when I get to a certain point of anger or fear, and doesn't stop until the fight is over. "I look inside myself and see my heart is black". It's an interesting take on depression.

[@justmoose6534]

The Stones are a deep rabbit hole. I'd probably go with "Sympathy For the Devil" next. Others, "Honky Tonk Woman" "Jumpin Jack Flash" "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" "You Can't Always Get What You Want" "Brown Sugar" "It's Only Rock and Roll" "Tumbling Dice" "Start Me Up" "Miss You" "Beast of Burden" "Bitch" "Gimme Shelter" "Angie" "Ruby Tuesday" "She's A Rainbow" "Mothers Little Helper" "Let's Spend The Night Together" "Let it Bleed" ... the list goes on and on. Probably 100 or more songs you could do just taking the top stuff.

[@dejanceric168]

Between the rock and the hard place,Wild horses,Jumping Jack Flash,one hit to the body...

[@gdfathr33]

Sympathy for the Devil should be next. A few others i haven't seen people say Angie, Wild Horses, love is strong

[@margaretervin8895]

It was during the Vietnam ar era and it was popular for the soldiers over there.

[@djdoug242]

my first exposure to this song was as a kid watching the Tour of Duty tv series on Fox back in 1987, as it was the opening credits music, so it has been associated in my mind with the Vietnam War since then

[@petes5041]

Don't be so hard on yourselves!! You are cultured, you just weren't exposed to the Music. I envy you, listening for the First time, watching you brings back those feelings and emotions from way, way ,back. THANK you!

[@bobbyj5375]

definitely one of their best (my opinion), huge catalogue. Gems like "Ruby Tuesday" or "Satisfaction" "Honky tonk woman" were fantastic number ones .Others i really liked a lot, "She's a rainbow" " "Tell me " " Shattered" "As tears go by"

[@travismorris9303]

I think you got it exactly right that technology has ironically allowed more isolation in choices of music, movies and culture in general. But it also allows for you guys and others to go on these journeys of discovering all this great stuff for the first time...and it gives the rest of us a connection to how we felt when we first experienced it, and also examine how we've grown with it over time. Really enjoy seeing you guys reaction!

[@stannelson8306]

Stones, my favorite band! It blows my mind, and nose, that there are folks that don’t know the Stones music! Sit back and enjoy the ride!

[@victorduffany7723]

The Stones are the master of all the master rock n rollers in the world. The Masters.

[@bboyshotty]

This song made me see them differently from what i thought they were outside looking in..such a great track

[@fernandonavarrette4522]

When it comes to bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who, Yardbirds, Cream, Black Sabbath....etc. you can't get more legendary than The Rolling Stones. Oh I forgot one or maybe two, Queen and The Beatles. Anyways, you gotta take The Rolling Stones journey to appreciate all the other Rock and Roll greats. Oh, one more Jimi "The Gawd" Hendrix. Enjoy the ride.

[@SaxonsGlory]

Death, the death of a loved one. Deep and brilliant.

[@jack_yo]

This song was the intro to the 1980s TV show Tour of Duty, a Vietnam War series that was successful and ran for three seasons .

[@williammooney8832]

Sympathy for the Devil is a must