As well as a singer, Giddens is a voice coach, multi-instrumentalist, dance caller, graphic artist. . . in short a talented performer of great versatility. She is equally at home crooning torch songs in a smoky bar, accompanying herself on banjo, or singing opera in a sumptuous production. She has performed music from Native American Powwows, Appalachian ballads, and hip-hop, all to great acclaim. Rhiannon performs with Sankola Strings as well as Carolina Chocolate Drops and others.
Black is the Color
Rhiannon Giddens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His lips are like some rosy fair
The sweetest face and the neatest hands
I love the ground where on he stands
Soft is the feel of my true love's skin
And strong the arms he folds me in
The clearest eyes and the truest heart
I love my love, and well he knows
I love his love and love it grows
Until I know that I would burst
And still I feel the strongest thirst
I love my love and he loves me
To my soul, he owns the key
I have his heart and he has mine
I'll kiss his mouth ten thousand times
Black is the color of my true love's hair
His lips are like some rosy fair
The sweetest face and the neatest hands
I love the ground where on he stands
I love my love, and well he knows
I love his love and love it grows
Until I know that I would burst
And still I feel the strongest thirst
I love my love and he loves me
To my soul, he owns the key
I have his heart and he has mine
I'll kiss his mouth ten thousand times
Black is the color, black is the color
Black is the color of my true love's hair
Rhiannon Giddens’s song “Black is the Color” is an adaptation of a traditional Appalachian folk song that dates back to at least the early 1900s. The song revolves around the deep love and admiration of the singer towards her lover. The singer praises the physical attributes of her lover, particularly his black hair, rosy lips, and neatest hands. She also focuses on the emotional attributes of her lover such as his truest heart and clear eyes.
The singer is particularly impressed with the softness of her lover’s skin and the strength of his arms as she describes them with delicacy and power. She is deeply in love with her partner, and she knows that he reciprocates her emotions. They share an intense bond, and she feels as though they have a soul connection as she mentions that her partner owns the key to her soul. The singer is willing to kiss her lover ten thousand times to prove her love and admiration for him.
The song beautifully captures the essence of love as a powerful force that goes beyond physical attraction. The deep emotional connection between the two partners is powerful enough to control and unite their souls. The song serves as a tribute to the unyielding bond of love that can transcend time and space.
Line by Line Meaning
Black is the color of my true love's hair
The color black symbolizes the physical appearance of my beloved's hair.
His lips are like some rosy fair
His lips are pink and delicate like the beauty of a rose.
The sweetest face and the neatest hands
My love possesses a kind and pleasant countenance and well-groomed hands.
I love the ground where on he stands
I adore the very earth upon which my love treads.
Soft is the feel of my true love's skin
My love's skin is gentle and tender to the touch.
And strong the arms he folds me in
My love's embrace are firm and sturdy in quality.
The clearest eyes and the truest heart
My love has honest eyes that reveal a pure and genuine heart.
He lets me stop before I start
My love encourages me to take my time before rushing into anything.
I love my love, and well he knows
I deeply cherish my beloved, and he is aware of it.
I love his love and love it grows
I adore the affection that my love shows me, and it intensifies over time.
Until I know that I would burst
My love fills me with such strong emotion that it feels as if my heart may explode.
And still I feel the strongest thirst
Despite the intensity of my love, I still desire more of it.
To my soul, he owns the key
My love has complete access to the very depths of my being.
I have his heart and he has mine
Our love is mutual in nature; we each possess the other's heart.
I'll kiss his mouth ten thousand times
I am so passionate about my love that I will kiss him countless times over.
Black is the color, black is the color
The color black holds great significance to me, to the point of repetition.
Black is the color of my true love's hair
The color black remains a powerful symbol of my love's hair.
Contributed by Makayla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kitty123yw
Why have I only now found this amazing musical treasure? What life elements she gives out!
@Icomeinpeace7
This one, spectacularly talented, continually, and endlessly educated, classically trained in music…amazing woman…who easily makes herself and her well chosen music at home in my heart…nourishes my soul….informs my mind…leaves me yearning for more…teaches me history not printed in textbooks…sings every note so clearly…I love Rhiannon Giddens. You should, too!
@SPSregister
Love this so much! It boggles the mind how great her voice is.
@williamharvey381
I heard this on NPR tonight, as well as her cove of Patsy Cline's "She's Got You"...I was FLOORED by her bluesy, jazzy feel....and her voice? AMAZING!
@JLange642
She has the abilities of a chameleon- every time I see her in a video of a performance she reinvents her look! I usually have to view the videos at least twice to first watch her performance, and then REALLY listen to her fine voice and presentation!
@Ring0fSaturn
This song originated in Scotland. I first heard it sung by Nina Simone. Rhiannon and company take it to another level with pride and with joy.
@ethnicmusiclover
Gorgeous! Love her for years and she takes music in new directions and reinvents old ones.
@MrJasilva33
La vuelvo a ver y escuchar, y me vuelve a maravillar. Espléndida.
@soccerchamp0511
My favorite version of this song is by Gaelic Storm, but it is traditional and more romantic/sad in tone. This is a dope upbeat happy version of the song that I didn't even know I needed. It just makes me want to dance :) Thanks, Rhiannon!
@Ritalto
Love this incredible song! Rhiannon Giddens is a global treasure! Phenomenal 💖🎤🎶🔥