"Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones is a timeless classic that dives deep into themes of darkness, isolation, and the internal struggle for self-acceptance. Although the song was originally released in 1966, this interpretation will focus on the live performance from 1990, as it showcases the continued relevance and emotional intensity of the lyrics.

The opening lines, "I see a red door and I want it painted black, No colours anymore, I want them to turn black," immediately set a somber and introspective tone. The color black symbolizes a metaphorical void and a desire for emotional suppression. By wanting everything to be painted black, the narrator expresses a longing to suppress any vibrancy or emotions, suggesting a state of numbness. The red door serves as a powerful visual symbol, representing an opportunity for change or escape. The narrator's desire to paint it black likely indicates a fear of confronting the unknown or the reality they may find behind that door.

As the song progresses, the lyrics introduce the narrator's desperate attempts to escape their inner turmoil. The line "I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes, I have to turn my head until my darkness goes" demonstrates a sense of isolation and self-imposed exile. The narrator feels unable to appreciate the beauty of the world around them due to their internal struggles. This disconnect from reality is further emphasized by the reference to turning away from the girls, symbolizing a desire to escape the temptations and distractions of the external world until their personal darkness subsides.

The following verse continues to delve into the narrator's deep sense of loss and grief. The line "I see a line of cars and they're all painted black, With flowers and my love, both never to come back" suggests a funeral procession. The use of black cars and flowers conveys a sense of mourning and finality. The absence of color represents the loss and emptiness experienced by the narrator, amplifying their desire to paint everything black.

The lyric "Like a newborn baby, it just happens every day" highlights the cyclical nature of the narrator's emotional turmoil. They see the same patterns repeating themselves, making it difficult to break free from their emotional state. This repetition compounds the narrator's inner turmoil, as they are constantly reminded of their darkness and inability to escape it.

In the chorus, the repetition of wanting the red door painted black and the absence of colors takes on a deeper significance. The narrator's desire to fade away and avoid facing the facts implies a struggle with self-acceptance. They hope that by painting everything black, they can hide their true emotions and avoid confronting the inevitable challenges that life presents.

As the song nears its end, the verse provides a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The line "If I look hard enough into the setting sun, My love will laugh with me before the morning comes" suggests a search for solace and redemption. The setting sun symbolizes the end of a difficult period, and the promise of laughter and companionship implies a longing for emotional connection. The morning represents a fresh start, and the narrator seeks to overcome their darkness and find happiness.

The emotional intensity of the live performance is powerfully captured during the outro, where the repeated desire to see everything painted black becomes a resounding plea. The longing for the sun to be blotted out from the sky represents the ultimate desire to conceal the pain and darkness within. It reflects the narrator's desperation for relief and their refusal to face reality until they can find a way to eradicate their inner struggles.

Overall, "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones, particularly in its live 1990 performance, delves into the depths of human emotions. It explores the complexities of darkness, isolation, and the struggle for self-acceptance. The song serves as a reminder of the universal internal battles we all face and the need to confront our demons in order to find personal growth and emotional freedom.