In their song, Paint it Black, The Rolling Stones make purpose of paradoxical
similes, color-specific imagery, and inconspicuous symbolism to convey a dark
tone, portraying the simple articles of life, now to be “painted black”.
Of the two similes present in the
song, the line, “Like a newborn baby it just happens everyday” draws the
listener into a thought provoking, paradoxical proposition: That “darkness”,
not much mentioned amongst us, is a necessary and innumerous component of our
lives, more natural than first apprehended. The comparison is undeniably
clever. A newborn child; the universal symbol for natural life and new hope,
now being valued and gratified on the same level of acceptance as things that
comply with “darkness”. In its admirable use, the simile promotes abstract
thought and apprehension to the readers, leading them to understand that not
all naturally occurring things are good.
Being that the color black is most
usually associated with darkness, the repetitive color specific imagery used in
the song is both necessary and appropriate. The speaker in the song proposes
that if the world were to be cast into darkness, similar to the one that [he]
is, it would be easier to function in life. (“Maybe then I’ll fade away and not
have to face the facts/ Its not easy facing up when your whole world is
black.”). Contrasting the overwhelming use of black, is the near daunting image
of a red door, red being connected with passion and love, only to be painted
black. (“I see my red door I must have it painted black”). These two color
specific devices successfully aid the tonal aspect of the song.
Although it is arguably an element
of imagery, the article(s) of a red door and the speaker’s heart, assumed to be
red in color as well, hold the possibility of a deeper symbol. (“I look inside
myself and see my heart is black/ I see my red door and must have it painted
black.”). Arguably, it could be proposed that the red door mentioned, yearning
to be opened, is a metaphorical embodiment of the speaker’s heart itself.
