20 Songs About The Color Black

When I think about the color black, I am immediately drawn to its depth and complexity. It’s a hue that embodies mystery, elegance, and a touch of rebellion. Black has always been more than just a color to me; it’s a statement, a mood, and sometimes even a refuge. It’s no wonder that so many artists have been inspired by its allure, crafting songs that capture its essence in diverse and powerful ways. 

In this playlist, I invite you to join me on a journey through 20 songs that explore the multifaceted nature of black. Each track offers a unique perspective, reflecting the emotions and stories that this enigmatic color can evoke. 

1. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin

“Black Dog” is a track by the iconic English rock band Led Zeppelin, featured as the opening song on their untitled fourth album, commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin IV (1971). The title was inspired by a black Labrador Retriever that wandered around the studio during recording sessions at Headley Grange. The song is characterized by its complex, syncopated riff, written by bassist John Paul Jones, and a call-and-response structure between Robert Plant’s vocals and the band’s instrumentation.

The lyrics revolve around themes of lust, betrayal, and disillusionment, typical of blues music. Plant sings about a woman who captivates him but ultimately proves to be untrustworthy, as she spends his money and dreams of fame. The song’s opening line, “Hey, hey, mama, said the way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove,” sets the tone for its energetic and seductive narrative.

2. “Long Black Veil” by Dave Matthews Band

“Long Black Veil” is a cover performed by Dave Matthews Band, originally written by Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin and first recorded by Lefty Frizzell in 1959. The Dave Matthews Band rendition gained popularity through live performances, particularly their 1999 Listener Supported concert. The song tells a haunting story of a man falsely accused of murder who refuses to provide an alibi because he was with his best friend’s wife at the time. As a result, he is executed, and the woman visits his grave wearing a long black veil.

The song’s narrative is steeped in themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, with the “long black veil” symbolizing mourning and secrecy. Dave Matthews Band’s version maintains the song’s somber and reflective tone, adding their unique musical style to this classic ballad.

3. “Black Balloon” by Goo Goo Dolls

“Black Balloon” is a song by the American rock band Goo Goo Dolls, released as a single from their 1998 album Dizzy Up the Girl. The song is known for its melancholic tone and poignant lyrics, which are often interpreted as addressing themes of addiction and loss. The “black balloon” in the song is a metaphor for the weight and darkness of addiction, as well as the sense of helplessness felt by those witnessing a loved one’s struggle.

The lyrics convey a deep sense of empathy and sorrow, with lines like “A thousand other boys could never reach you / How could I have been the one?” capturing the emotional turmoil of trying to save someone from their own demons. The song’s haunting melody and reflective lyrics have made it a standout track in the Goo Goo Dolls’ discography.

4. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

“Black Hole Sun” is one of Soundgarden’s most famous songs, released in 1994 on their album Superunknown. Written by lead vocalist Chris Cornell, the song is known for its surreal and somewhat apocalyptic imagery. The title itself evokes a sense of darkness and void, fitting the song’s introspective and often bleak lyrics. Cornell has mentioned that the song was written in a stream-of-consciousness style, leading to its enigmatic and abstract nature.

Musically, “Black Hole Sun” features a distinctive, haunting melody and a mix of heavy guitar riffs and psychedelic elements. The chorus, with its repeated line “Black hole sun, won’t you come and wash away the rain,” suggests a desire for cleansing and escape from a troubled world. The song’s music video, with its surreal and disturbing imagery, further amplifies its themes of disillusionment and despair.

5. “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles

“Black Velvet” is a blues-rock ballad by Canadian singer Alannah Myles, released in 1989. The song is an ode to Elvis Presley, capturing the essence of his impact on American music and culture. Written by David Tyson and Christopher Ward, the lyrics evoke vivid imagery of the South and Elvis’s magnetic appeal. Phrases like “Black velvet and that little boy’s smile” and “A new religion that’ll bring ya to your knees” highlight the almost religious fervor surrounding Elvis’s persona. The song’s title refers to the black velvet paintings of Elvis that were popular at the time, symbolizing his lasting legacy and allure. Myles’s powerful vocal delivery and the song’s nostalgic tone contributed to its success, making it a chart-topping hit in several countries.

6. “Blackbird” by The Beatles

“Blackbird,” written by Paul McCartney and credited to Lennon-McCartney, is a track from The Beatles’ 1968 double album, The Beatles (commonly known as “The White Album”). The song features McCartney’s solo performance with acoustic guitar accompaniment, inspired by J.S. Bach’s Bourrée in E minor. The lyrics carry a dual meaning: while they were inspired by the call of a blackbird McCartney heard in Rishikesh, India, they also serve as a metaphor for the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. McCartney intended the song to be a message of hope and empowerment for Black Americans facing racial discrimination, symbolized by the “blackbird” learning to fly despite its broken wings.

7. “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall

“Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” is a song by Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, released in 2005. The song features a distinctive rhythm and bluesy vibe, driven by Tunstall’s use of a loop pedal to layer her vocals and guitar. The lyrics tell a surreal story involving a black horse and a cherry tree, which symbolize a crossroads or pivotal moment in life. The black horse represents a force or decision that challenges the narrator, while the cherry tree symbolizes a place of comfort and nostalgia. The song’s catchy beat and unique storytelling helped it gain widespread popularity, earning Tunstall critical acclaim and commercial success.

8. “Black Pearl” by Horace Faith

“Black Pearl” is a reggae cover by Jamaican singer Horace Faith, originally performed by Checkmates, Ltd. and written by Phil Spector, Toni Wine, and Irwin Levine. Released in 1970, Faith’s version reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. The song tells the story of a woman referred to as “Black Pearl,” celebrating her beauty and resilience. The lyrics, “Black Pearl, precious little girl / Let me put you up where you belong,” convey admiration and a desire to uplift the titular character. Faith’s soulful rendition, combined with the reggae arrangement, adds a unique flavor to the song, making it a memorable hit during its time.

9. “Black Night” by Deep Purple

“Black Night” is a hard rock song by the English band Deep Purple, released as a single in June 1970. It was later included in the 25th Anniversary edition of their album Deep Purple in Rock. The song became a significant hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and topping the charts in Switzerland. The track is known for its catchy riff, which was inspired by Ricky Nelson’s version of “Summertime” and the Blues Magoos’ “We Ain’t Got Nothin’ Yet” . The song’s simplicity and infectious rhythm made it a staple in Deep Purple’s live performances, often played as an encore . The lineup for this track included Ian Gillan on vocals, Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Roger Glover on bass, Ian Paice on drums, and Jon Lord on organ .

10. “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse

“Back to Black” is the title track from Amy Winehouse’s critically acclaimed 2006 album. The song, co-written by Winehouse and producer Mark Ronson, delves into the emotional aftermath of her breakup with Blake Fielder-Civil. The lyrics use “black” as a metaphor for depression and despair, reflecting Winehouse’s return to a dark state of mind following the end of her relationship . Musically, the song features a retro sound influenced by 1960s girl groups and Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, with mournful strings and a funereal atmosphere . “Back to Black” became one of Winehouse’s signature songs and has been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its legacy .

11. “Black Roses” by Anastacia

“Black Roses” is a song by American singer Anastacia from her 2008 album Heavy Rotation. The song addresses themes of betrayal and heartbreak, using the imagery of black roses to symbolize a love that has turned dark and toxic. The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and emotional pain, as Anastacia sings about the end of a relationship that was once beautiful but has now become harmful. The song’s powerful vocal delivery and poignant lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of betrayal and loss.

12. “Blackstar” by David Bowie

“Blackstar” is the title track from David Bowie’s final studio album, released in 2015. The song is a complex and haunting piece that blends elements of jazz, electronic, and experimental rock. The lyrics are enigmatic and open to interpretation, but many believe they reflect Bowie’s contemplation of his own mortality and legacy, especially given the album’s release just days before his death. The song’s dark, brooding atmosphere is enhanced by its unconventional structure and instrumentation, featuring saxophone solos and eerie vocals. “Blackstar” has been widely praised for its artistic depth and has become a poignant part of Bowie’s musical legacy.

13. “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones

“Paint It Black” is a song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966 as a single and later included on the U.S. version of their album Aftermath. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song features a distinctive sitar riff played by Brian Jones, which gives it a unique blend of rock and Indian music influences. The lyrics explore themes of grief and loss, with the narrator expressing a desire to “paint it all black” to match his mood after a significant personal tragedy, likely the death of a loved one. The song’s dark, introspective tone resonated with the cultural consciousness of the 1960s, particularly during the Vietnam War era, and it became an anthem for a disillusioned youth. “Paint It Black” reached No. 1 on both the U.S. and UK charts and remains one of the band’s most iconic tracks.

14. “Fade to Black” by Metallica

“Fade to Black” is a power ballad by American heavy metal band Metallica, released as the first promotional single from their 1984 album Ride the Lightning. The song’s lyrics, written by James Hetfield, deal with themes of depression and suicidal thoughts, inspired by a period of personal turmoil for the band, including the theft of their equipment. The song starts with an acoustic guitar intro and gradually builds to a heavier, more intense climax, reflecting the escalating emotional intensity of the lyrics. Despite initial criticism for its dark subject matter, “Fade to Black” has been praised for its emotional depth and has become a staple in Metallica’s live performances. It was ranked as one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time by Rolling Stone.

15. “Black Sunshine” by White Zombie Ft. Iggy Pop

“Black Sunshine” is a song by White Zombie, featuring spoken word sections by Iggy Pop, and was released as a single from their 1992 album La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Volume One. The song is about a high-performance racing car, a Ford Mustang, called “Black Sunshine.” The lyrics and Iggy Pop’s narration evoke a sense of speed and power, with vivid imagery of the car’s explosive performance. The song’s heavy, groove-laden metal sound, combined with its unique lyrical content, made it a standout track. The music video, filmed in black and white, further emphasizes the song’s gritty, high-octane energy. “Black Sunshine” became a fan favorite and is frequently included in Rob Zombie’s solo performances.

16. “Black Magic Woman” by Santana

“Black Magic Woman” is a song originally written by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac and later popularized by Santana. Santana’s version, released in 1970 on their album Abraxas, combines “Black Magic Woman” with Gábor Szabó’s instrumental “Gypsy Queen,” creating a medley that blends rock, blues, jazz, and Latin rhythms. The song’s lyrics describe a woman who uses her “black magic” to enchant and bewitch the narrator. Santana’s rendition features Gregg Rolie on vocals and is known for Carlos Santana’s mesmerizing guitar solos, which add a mystical, almost voodoo-like feel to the track. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of Santana’s most enduring hits.

17. “Black Celebration” by Depeche Mode

“Black Celebration” is the title track from Depeche Mode’s 1986 album. Written by Martin L. Gore, the song explores themes of finding solace and a sense of relief at the end of a difficult day. The lyrics suggest a paradoxical celebration of enduring another “black day,” with the night providing a brief respite from life’s struggles. The song’s dark, brooding atmosphere is complemented by its synth-heavy instrumentation and haunting vocals. The concept of a “black celebration” plays with the duality of tragedy and joy, symbolizing both a funeral and a moment of victory over adversity. The track has been performed live numerous times and remains a significant part of Depeche Mode’s discography.

18. “Black” by Pearl Jam

“Black” is a deeply emotional song by Pearl Jam, featured on their 1991 debut album Ten. Written by vocalist Eddie Vedder and guitarist Stone Gossard, the song deals with themes of love, loss, and longing. Vedder’s poignant lyrics describe the pain of a broken relationship and the enduring memories of a lost love. Despite its personal nature, “Black” became one of Pearl Jam’s most beloved tracks and a fan favorite. The band refused to release it as a single, fearing that its emotional weight would be diminished by commercial exploitation. The song’s haunting melody and Vedder’s heartfelt delivery have cemented its place as a classic in the band’s repertoire.

19. “Black Is Black” by Los Bravos

“Black Is Black” is a song by the Spanish band Los Bravos, released in 1966. The song became an international hit, reaching No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the lyrics, which express a sense of despair and longing for a lost love. The chorus, “Black is black, I want my baby back,” captures the essence of heartache and the desire to return to happier times. The song’s success helped Los Bravos become one of the first Spanish rock bands to achieve international fame.

20. “Back in Black” by AC/DC

“Back in Black” is a song by Australian rock band AC/DC, released as the title track of their 1980 album. The song was written as a tribute to the band’s former lead singer, Bon Scott, who passed away earlier that year. The lyrics celebrate Scott’s life and legacy, with the phrase “back in black” symbolizing both mourning and a triumphant return. The song’s iconic riff, powerful vocals by new lead singer Brian Johnson, and driving rhythm have made it one of AC/DC’s most enduring anthems. “Back in Black” is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time and has been a staple in the band’s live performances.

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.