Hip Hop Fan's First Reaction and Analysis of Paint It, Black by The Rolling Stones

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[@paulh2486]

"I see a red door and want it painted black" is one of the simplest lines, but it so beautifully and succinctly foretells the story this song brings to us.

[@roadamerica33]

Before I get started, I want everyone to give a round of applause to Brian Jones. This is HIM as is "Like a Rainbow". Such a master musician. Sad he died in 1969.

[@MrDiddyDee]

Although you suggested one of the verses had a hint of hope, it could also be interpreted as the exact opposite. The character is suffering grief and deeply depressed throughout the rest of the song so it seems unlikely it is a change of heart, the setting sun is often used as a metaphor for the last stages of life and it could be him having suicidal thoughts about going to join his loved one.

[@Imman1s]

Agree, he is simply expressing the hope/desire to reunite with her in the afterlife.

[@djdoss2775]

I agree it seemed more suicidal to me too.

[@joshuacanete7801]

additionally, if you look long enough into the setting sun you go blind, and your world is black. But yeah, totally sounds like he's looking towards death hopefully here.

[@TheRealRedAce]

Yes, thats how I see it.

[@mkuti-childress3625]

Same.

[@patswanson2870]

Finally! You are the first reactor that I have seen who understands what this song is about. Great reaction.

[@Imman1s]

Agree. I find weird that most reactors miss the obvious reference to the funeral procession and come to some idiotic explanations for the lyrics. Particularly painful when they are READING the damn thing from the lyrics in the official video.

[@roberttaylor5997]

@@Imman1s To be fair in the video the lyrics flash by three or four words at a time. Syed sensibly puts the whole of the lyrics up on screen, which gives him a massive head start.

[@Bike_Lion]

@@Imman1s - I've found that only about one out of five or so of the people reacting the this song grasp the funeral procession reference. In fairness though, it didn't register with me either the first couple of times that I heard it, as I was too distracted by the song's unique sound. The one thing though that I think SyedRewinds gets wrong, is his interpretation of the line: "If I look hard enough Into the setting sun My love will laugh with me Before the morning comes" He sees this as something more hopeful, but I actually view this as perhaps the darkest line of all in the song....As him watching the sun go down, and hoping that he dies before morning, so that he can reunite with his woman in heaven.

[@Toobrokeforagram]

I remember hearing this during the end credits of Full Metal Jacket. Gave me chills

[@guitgas]

The rhythmic strumming you heard is known as a bolero. A lot of 60s-70s rock bands would incorporate the rhythm into a song. The rhythm is taken from Ravel's Bolero which, if you haven't listened to, is worth hearing at least once. No lyrics, you just let the music wash over you.

[@robynmurray7421]

Never noticed that before. Thanks.

[@ronaldstokes4841]

Excellent point... never noticed.

[@robmaeder330]

I enjoy the reactions especially the lyrical interpretations. I've been listening to these songs for 50 years but never take the time to read, much less think what they mean. It is nice to get something besides how it sounds after all these years. Keep it up.

[@mkuti-childress3625]

I agree! I’ve heard it for decades, but I never really listened to the lyrics before. It adds another dimension to the song, and I love it.

[@ijustneedmyself]

That's partially why I like reaction channels. I've never cared much for interpreting lyrics. It's just not important to me to do. Reactors help me gain a whole new appreciation for music I've been listening to for years.

[@gsparkman]

Epic is right. I was 12 when this dropped and it's been one of favorite Stones songs since that time.

[@QuicknStraight]

This one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The sitar adds such a different sound, too.

[@michaelsuder486]

Even though he didnt start using the sitar till after George Harrison on "Norwegian Wood ", Brian plays it beautifully in this song

[@patrickmartell9907]

You are really great at this. Seriously.

[@mikeevans1625]

You're right Syed, this is probably one of the most used Rolling Stones songs in media, mostly in movies/series to do with the Vietnam war.

[@Kieop]

Right. It was the theme song to the TV series Tour of Duty.

[@stevenward2408]

Excellent analytical skill. You understand what this song is about. The long line of black cars and the flowers and are part of a funeral. The leader of the Rolling Stones was Brian Jones, he formed the band. Brian's girlfriend died (I believe from an overdose) and this song is about his grief. She was so full of life so it was a big shock when she died. Brian played the sitar. It was such a loss to the world when Brian died due to drugs in 1969.

[@palacerevolution2000]

What are you inventing there?

[@robertlear2735]

Great analysis of the lyrics. I agree on the interpretation.

[@DTH3000]

Wyman’s bass at the end.

[@davescurry69]

And the best thing about that magnificent piece of music is it's the original Rolling Stones. And you were spot on guessing that it's a sitar providing that glorious melody line, played by Brian Jones. Keith Richards rhythm work in the epic outro is a perfect counterpoint to Jones' hypnotic sitar. In my opinion, "Paint It, Black" sits comfortably in the Stones top 10 songs and arguably top 5. In any spot. It's one of those songs that still gives me goosebumps 40 years after I first heard it.

[@samuellord8576]

Great work Syed. This has always been my favorite Stones song: so raw, such pain, such honesty. It is a true song of mourning, so rare yet so needed in modern western music. It tells of the times we hate God. Time heals the wounds as we understand what we have been given in the friends and lovers while they live.

[@Amelas_One_1953]

Just one more reason they are often considered the worlds greatest Rock 'N' Roll Band. It's 56 years later and that song still catches your ear, and your mind. Rock On Glimmer Twins! Amelas One

[@gustafcederborg9744]

Glad to see you releasing more bangers , Syed

[@SyedRewinds]

Glad you're here for the rise mate!

[@bk1147]

A great song analysis that almost epitomises my dark clouds of depression

[@starburstppl]

Brilliant reaction and analysis of one of my favorite Rolling Stones tracks! Bravo and props to you! Peace! ✌

[@fightingwords8955]

Cool analysis 👍👍 This song reminds me of the TV show from the 80’s called Platoon. It was the soundtrack for the opening. A context to remember also is Vietnam. The following year would be the hippies Summer of Love. This is the year the Beatles would go psychedelic with Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. 😎🔥

[@CatherinePearl100]

I know which show you’re talking about, but it was called Tour of Duty. Platoon was the Oliver Stone movie with Charlie Sheen and Willem Dafoe.

[@fightingwords8955]

@@CatherinePearl100 Thanks for the correction. 👍

[@dannycoe7605]

Platoon was a movie not a TV show.

[@lesliehagemann5755]

I love this song. I am not a huge Stones fan, but my dad had a lot of their records and this was always my favorite as a kid, and the lyrics make me love it even more as an adult.

[@johnworthington8360]

It's always so lovely watching the reaction of these boys. Having grown up with a bit of Stones I think you boys ok.

[@arjaylee]

Every band in England were deeply influenced by the Beatles. Also Muddy Waters, and Chuck Berry

[@scottalynch]

Sympathy for the Devil is great too

[@crankyyankee7290]

Completely different but I at least often like "Sister Morphine" ( the song that is !)after having been cradled in the arms of the "sister" for a short while due to a fractured neck, and skull disconnect, I'd say they nailed it solidly, it just needs to be remembered that the "Sister is a sweet and comforting angel when the need is great, but if called on without need, or for amusement she is a destroyer of souls !

[@mkuti-childress3625]

Wow, I grew up hearing this song, but I never really listened to the lyrics! It’a actually a pretty cool poem. I just love the Stones, because their songs never sound dated, unlike most of the other music that came out back then. They stay fresh because they _were_ doing their own thing. And shout-out to any band that stays together for a lifetime!

[@robertlear2735]

One of the Rolling Stones best songs.

[@Skycladatdusk78]

This is the song that got me into music. Total masterpiece.

[@muriel2267]

I love your channel dude

[@djdoss2775]

Yay! Finally my favorite Stones song! Loving your content.

[@mrb532]

You should check out some of their country inspired tracks from Let it Bleed

[@IvorPresents]

"Bolero" Beat. Used effectively one of my favorites from this time period. similar to, King of Pain by the Police, in lyrics.

[@pg4594]

A version of this plays in episode 1 of Westworld, so it was used as a cowboy soundtrack.

[@ArmandoMPR]

Not the first psychedelic song by one of the bands from the British invasion, since that distinction goes to the Kinks with “See My Friends” with it’s raga rock groove, but certainly the first mega hit of that kind of music.

[@daveman_50]

That quick up-swooping sound at the end is Bill Wyman on the bass.

[@arjaylee]

Keith says that he views the guitar as a rhythm instrument. He and Charlie always drove each other.

[@dickmckenna9447]

Great reaction and analysis Syed. I don't know if it's just me but this song has always reminded me of a band of Gypsy's. 💃 If you get a chance please have a listen to Dead Flowers, another Stone's track that displays their incredible diversity 😊

[@shadowswept1474]

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue. I interpret this to mean that he'll never again experience the depth of emotion that he had for her.

[@robertdoerr2599]

No no no that is the late great Charlie Watts on drums.

[@Eric-ff4bf]

I agree with almost all of your lyrics analysis, particularly about the connection with a funeral and the passing of a loved one. The one lyric I hear differently is the one you find hopeful. I think staring into the setting sun and being with his lover implies that the singer is considering suicide, the one way he would be re-united with his lover. Love your analyses of all these songs, and really appreciate how you are taking deep dives into these fantastic artists. Keep up the great work!

[@TheDivayenta]

60’s rock had tremendous Eastern influences and we can thank the Beatles for that- especially George Harrison who studied sitar with Ravi Shankar and wrote Indian influenced songs - like Within And Without You.

[@steved525]

You did a great job reacting to this fantastic song. Well done!

[@kengunter6903]

Brilliant. Thanks bro love ure indebth ops into this song.

[@LemonTreeQuilts]

I think the reason you get the cowboy vibe from this song is because of the rhythm you noticed the guitar playing towards the end. It's very reminiscent of the sound of horses hooves running, and is actually present from almost the very beginning of the song, but its not as obvious. If you listen to the song again from the beginning you can notice it pop out at various points.

[@BridewellSeniorTube]

I like your movie metaphor/reference:) I myself also imagined and related to your idea and could imagine myself watching that western 😀

[@sjd5750]

On this particular cut some people (unfairly in my estimation) accused them of copying The Beatles song "Norweigian Wood" where Harrison used a Sitar the year before this came out. '65 and '66 respectively. Nonsense, I say..If the songs resembled each other in any way aside for the used of the sitar maybe you could make a case, but no one could ever mistake one for the other..Totally different.

[@ericanderson8886]

Was indeed Brian Jones on the Sitar. Exploring music or copying the Beatles it made a great sound for the song.

[@Luisaan145]

Nothing wrong with copying from The Beatles. That's like saying we're copying air when we breathe!

[@ArmandoMPR]

That’s Beatles propaganda. If they wanna play that game then fans of the Kinks can say the Beatles copied them.

[@pgrabar]

@@ArmandoMPR Agreed. The Kinks "See My Friends" would be a great one to be reviewed here.

[@richardfweeler2939]

This guy has done Gimme Shelter , Sympathy for the Devil , Jumping jack flash , Paint it Black , each track , completely different , but full of energy , unique lyrics , unique crafting of songs ....and still they keep turning out gems...what a band

[@michele-33]

...I see a line of cars and they're all painted black.. ( always gave me funeral imagary too ) Another great analysis. No other reaction channel comes close!

[@chipjones817]

Yeah Sy....that deep vroom, vroom, vroom was Bill Wyman on the Bass Guitar, great reaction

[@josefinelagerstrom2643]

This way my favorite song to play on guitar hero 🎸🎶🔥

[@OregonDARRYL]

The magnificent Rolling Stones used the Beatles for inspiration until around 1965 when they released the monster hit "I Can't Get No Satisfaction". After that - they knew they needed no one for inspiration. Then they became the gods of rock.

[@smartfreddy]

Not correct they used American blues artists for inspiration! The Beatles were more pop!

[@OregonDARRYL]

@@smartfreddy You're right... they used American blues artists... then they were inspired by the Beatles to be the ANTI-Beatles. That worked. Now, they are legends,

[@pipepires]

by far my favorite Stones song, amazing

[@jamespetrillo5659]

As far as movies go, this song was the cornerstone of the film “Stir of Echoes”

[@huascar66]

Bill Wyman and Brian Jones were really responsible for this song. Brian Jones plays the sitar on this track which is key to the Middle Eastern vibe as well as playing 12-string acoustic guitar, but it was Bill Wyman who came up with the riff while playing the bass pedals on a Hammond organ. Charlie Watts on drums, Keith Richards on electric guitar and Bill Wyman on bass. This song has endured for over 50 years and it sounds just as fresh as it did when first released.

[@chrismalloy7960]

Well done my friend!

[@Alewifes_Husband]

I think the funeral is a metaphor for something dying inside him. Because the rest of the lyrics are about internal darkness. Depression perhaps, or something yet darker?

[@mournblade1066]

I wanna see the sun bloated out from the sky. What a line!

[@dannycoe7605]

The song was the opening theme song for the TV show tour of duty in the late eighties

[@hugginduff]

1966, bought the single with picture sleeve in 5th grade

[@johnritter6864]

It was used as the intro for US tv series Call of Duty. it was also at the end of Full Metal Jacket

[@seethemystery2144]

On one of their albums from around this time is a photograph of Keith Richards in what looked like North Africa.

[@solentbum]

If you have ever lost a loved one you will find (the?) meaning in this song.

[@k.s.k.7721]

I always thought this was a great musical description of clinical depression. When one's brain is helplessly caught in a cycle of despair and the frustration that the entire world ignores those who are in such misery.

[@sproutzer]

Brian Jones was playing the sitar, he was an incredible musician.

[@pathare3031]

I've loved the Stones since Satisfaction. I was 12 when I first first heard them.

[@jtataryn]

You talk about this song conjuring up a movie soundtrack, and it's true. It's been used more than once in movies and TV shows, usually related to the Vietnam War, which was going on at the time this song was written in 1966.

[@jennymagidson1925]

One of the most brilliantly disturbing songs ever. Chilling.

[@mandarinlearner]

IMHO this is the Stones best song with all members really rocking their parts

[@Chiari_Queen_T]

This was in the horror movie "Stir of Echoes", an excellent movie.

[@thomascamara8398]

Ty for giving context, most reaction channels dont,don't,,

[@tinapatterson5022]

This song was The Theme song for the Series " Tour of Duty ".

[@neilstegall2090]

The sound that caught your ear at the end was Bill Wyman on bass.

[@coyote4237]

Enjoying your channel. You've covered some classic, great bands. May I humbly request you listen to Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Lights," a fun and entertaining classic from the album Bat Out of Hell.

[@danchristopher7957]

That track was the part of the sound track in various Vietnam era films. It was about having an STD.

[@josephclarke4244]

Thank you for your analysis, but to be honest I've listened to this song for years, it's meaning totally eludes me. I never gave it much thought given the fact I could never identify with a mutual theme related to my own life. Thanks you for your thoughts.

[@nevin7094]

Kudos picking up on the Stones being fitting for movies. Many movies have used their music. Here's just a partial list: “Doom And Gloom” In Avengers: Endgame. ... “Gimme Shelter” In The Departed. ... “(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction” In Apocalypse Now. ... “Sweet Virginia” In Knives Out. ... “Ruby Tuesday” In The Royal Tenenbaums. ... “Jumpin' Jack Flash” In Mean Streets. ... “Out Of Time” In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Casino (1995) "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" Beautiful Girls (1996) "Fool To Cry" Fallen (1998) "Time Is On My Side" Tropic Thunder (2008) "Sympathy for the Devil" Full Metal Jacket (1987) ... "Monkey Man," Goodfellas

[@michaelhoward900]

That zoom sound is Bill Wyman zooming up and down on the bass.

[@gamleskalle1]

This and gimme shelter often used in film.

[@BillKarlin-vw5ow]

This was the intro to a TV series about viet nam called tour of duty.

[@btraven7681]

He got the middle eastern influence there. That's Brian Jones all the way, check out the Master Musicians of Joujouka. Jones was one of the first to record them.

[@huascar66]

Brian Jones is the godfather of what we now call "World Music". His "Brian Jones Presents The Pipes Of Pan At Joujouka" is a marvelous field recording of The Master Musicians, done by Brian Jones (accompanied by his then lady, Suki Poiter disguised as a man) and the engineer, George Chkiantz, enhanced in the studio using various phasing effects. Brian really caught the essence of the music with his recording.

[@dq405]

"Hope at the end?" Oh, hell no! "If I stare long enough into the setting sun," I'll end up blind and possibly insane. That's a death wish.

[@jamessweet5341]

"If I look had enough into the setting sun" ....Contemplates ending himself to end the pain. "My love will laugh with me before the morning comes".... By ending himself he joins his lost love. Maybe I'm overinterpreting, but seems pretty spot on.

[@ernieherrera1034]

"Paint it Black" is played at the end of the movie "Full Metal Jacket". A movie about the Vietnam war.

[@krisweinschenker598]

That song was indeed the ending track of "Full Metal Jacket" ....which has a character named "Cowboy"

[@krisweinschenker598]

....which leads me to believe there is such a thing as Prophetic Truth, which I define as an image of Objective Truth that is totally dependent on the Observers place in the Space-Time Continuum

[@DocThrock49]

great job reacting as usual .... for Richard's instrument just search "dobro" or "resonator guitar"

[@garyr8739]

This is my favorite Stones song.

[@brovold72]

Funny you mention movie soundtrack -- this (or a slightly sped-up version) is used on the end credits of 'Full Metal Jacket'. Somber? Check.

[@jonathanross149]

The TV Show China Beach which was a Vietnam War hospital drama.

[@Bike_Lion]

This is one of the better reactions videos to this song, and SyedRewinds interpreted nearly everything quite well.....There is one thing though that I think he gets wrong - his interpretation of the line: "If I look hard enough Into the setting sun My love will laugh with me Before the morning comes" He sees this as something more hopeful, but I actually view this as perhaps the darkest line of all in the song....As him watching the sun go down, and hoping that he dies before morning, so that he can reunite with his woman in heaven.

[@scottalynch]

A version of this was used in the television program “Westworld” during a bank heist

[@scottalynch]

Found a KZbin link kzbin.info/www/bejne/a53NmoeJYpiLos0

[@jamesgantner6809]

Played at the end of Full Metal Jacket

[@r.awilliams9815]

The Stones did use a lot of unusual instruments, like the harpsichord in Play With Fire.

[@joshgoldstein3991]

The song is great and so are the Rolling Stones, but I think it's a bit premature to say the accusations of The Rolling Stones copying The Beatles is totally unfounded. You need a greater understanding of both their works to see that the truth is somewhere in the middle of yes and no. A lot of groups followed their lead, but there were times were it did come off as copying.

[@warager4753]

Not here.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

Funeral. Perfect reasoning!

[@BritishBeachcomber]

It was Brian Jones that inspired the Stones to use the sitar on Paint It Black.

[@amberpaigejames9054]

Makes me think of Russians dancing inside a snow-globe, for some reason. With the high kicks and show flying everywhere

[@capihood4530]

Stir of Echoes... This song is part of that soundtrack

[@moonlightmile70s96]

Syed try their song - Street fighting man - it's a vietnam era song too

[@craigplatel813]

Concur. It gets overlooked. A great song. I always imagined that they wrote it about themselves. Even though it's not.