Paint it Black
Axel Rudi Pell Lyrics


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I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I see a line of cars and they're all painted black
With flowers and my love, both never to come back
I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
Like a newborn baby, it just happens everyday

I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door and must have it painted black
Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facing up your whole world is black

No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not foresee this thing happening to you
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me before the morning comes

I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes

I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes





Yeah, yeah
I see a red door painted black

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Axel Rudi Pell's song "Paint it Black" paint a picture of someone experiencing deep inner turmoil and darkness. The imagery of a red door symbolizes a desire for change and transformation, with the singer wanting it painted black, signifying a wish to erase all colors and embrace a darker perspective. The repetition of this desire emphasizes the intensity of the feeling and the need to escape from a place of emotional turmoil.


The mention of girls walking by in their summer clothes juxtaposed with the singer having to turn their head until their darkness goes suggests a sense of isolation and alienation from the vibrant world outside. The line of cars painted black further reinforces the theme of loss and longing, with the reference to flowers and love never coming back highlighting the permanence of this emotional absence.


The singer's introspection reveals a deep sense of despair, as they see their own heart as black and feel the need to paint the red door black as well, as a way to potentially fade away and avoid confronting the harsh realities of life. The repetition of wanting colors to turn black and the acknowledgment of a black world hint at a profound sense of hopelessness and struggle to find light amidst the darkness.


Despite the darkness pervading the lyrics, there is a glimmer of hope expressed in the final verses, where the singer mentions a possibility of laughter and love in the face of impending darkness. The contrast between the desire to paint everything black and the potential for love to triumph in the end suggests a complex emotional journey and a search for meaning and connection amidst the overwhelming feelings of despair and darkness.


Line by Line Meaning

I see a red door and I want it painted black
I see a symbol of a new beginning and transformation, and I desire a dark change


No colors anymore, I want them to turn black
I no longer want to see joy or vibrancy, I prefer darkness


I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I observe life moving on in its normal, carefree way


I have to turn my head until my darkness goes
I must look away from happiness until my troubles are resolved




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Michael Jagger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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