Songs about color weave a vivid tapestry across genres, highlighting how artists use hues to convey complex emotions and stories. From Prince’s “Purple Rain” to Taylor Swift’s “White Horse,” these tracks reveal the depth and diversity of music’s palette.
Contents
- 1. “Purple Rain” by Prince
- 2. “Black or White” by Michael Jackson
- 3. “Yellow” by Coldplay
- 4. “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
- 5. “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley
- 6. “Red” by Taylor Swift
- 7. “Paint it, Black” by The Rolling Stones
- 8. “Green Light” by Lorde
- 9. “True Blue” by Madonna
- 10. “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles
- 11. “Orange Crush” by R.E.M.
- 12. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
- 13. “Pink Triangle” by Weezer
- 14. “Gold” by Chet Faker
- 15. “Silver Lining” by Rilo Kiley
- 16. “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles
- 17. “Tangled Up in Blue” by Bob Dylan
- 18. “Black Magic Woman” by Santana
- 19. “White Horse” by Taylor Swift
- 20. “Lady in Red” by Chris DeBurgh
1. “Purple Rain” by Prince
“Purple Rain” by Prince is more than just a song; it’s an emotional journey drenched in the color purple, symbolizing royalty, mystery, and a profound depth of feeling. Prince masterfully uses purple to convey a sense of longing and introspection, making the song a timeless piece that resonates with many.
2. “Black or White” by Michael Jackson
“Black or White” by Michael Jackson stands as a powerful anthem for racial unity, transcending beyond just the literal colors to challenge and dismantle the barriers of race and discrimination. Through its catchy tune and compelling lyrics, Jackson emphasizes that in matters of love and humanity, the distinction between black and white fades away, underscoring the song’s timeless message of unity.
3. “Yellow” by Coldplay
“Yellow” by Coldplay illuminates the color yellow as a glowing symbol of love and devotion, casting a warm, optimistic light on the emotions described in the song. The band magnificently captures the essence of giving everything for someone you love, with the color yellow painting an intimate picture of bright affection and boundless adoration.
4. “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse uses the color black to express deep feelings of loss and mourning, delving into the shadows of grief and heartache. Amy Winehouse’s soulful voice brings to life the dark shades of despair, making “Back to Black” a poignant reflection on love and the void it leaves behind.
5. “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley
“Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley transformed the color blue from just a hue to a cultural icon, encapsulating the rock’n’roll spirit and the post-war fashion rebellion. Through this spirited track, Presley not only left a mark on music history but also made blue suede shoes an enduring symbol of style and coolness.
6. “Red” by Taylor Swift
“Red” by Taylor Swift vividly showcases the color red as a metaphor for intense, passionate emotions, ranging from love to heartbreak. Swift skillfully navigates the spectrum of feelings, painting “Red” as not just a hue but an experience, embodying the fervor and turbulence of a whirlwind romance.
7. “Paint it, Black” by The Rolling Stones
“Paint it, Black” by The Rolling Stones delves into the psychological depth of the color black, exploring themes of despair and wanting to erase the vibrancy of life in response to loss. The song captures the profound sense of darkness and void, making “Paint it, Black” a powerful expression of emotional turmoil and existential angst.
8. “Green Light” by Lorde
“Green Light” by Lorde symbolizes the color green as a beacon for moving forward and personal growth, representing renewal, progress, and the go-ahead to leave the past behind. Lorde crafts a narrative of empowerment and anticipation for what lies ahead, making “Green Light” a vibrant anthem for change and self-discovery.
9. “True Blue” by Madonna
“True Blue” by Madonna explores the color blue as a representation of loyalty and fidelity, weaving a narrative around steadfast love and unwavering devotion. Through this upbeat track, Madonna encapsulates the essence of true-blue relationships, highlighting the depth and reliability that the color blue symbolizes in love.
10. “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles
“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles paints a sensual and soulful picture using the rich texture of the color black, encapsulating a smooth, deep allure that’s both mysterious and irresistible. The song uses black velvet as a metaphor to describe the profound and captivating nature of Elvis Presley’s voice, illustrating the tactile and emotional depth associated with black.
11. “Orange Crush” by R.E.M.
“Orange Crush” by R.E.M. delves into the color orange, not just as a vibrant hue but as a symbol with political and social implications, particularly referencing the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Through its powerful lyrics and dynamic sound, the song provides a critical commentary on war and its lasting impacts, showcasing the depth and complexity behind the choice of color.
12. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison uses the color brown as a focal point to reminisce and celebrate a romantic past, evoking feelings of nostalgia and joy. Through this beloved classic, Morrison brings to life the warmth and beauty of a simple yet profound love story, making “Brown Eyed Girl” an enduring ode to affection and memories.
13. “Pink Triangle” by Weezer
“Pink Triangle” by Weezer uses the color pink in an unconventional manner, addressing themes of identity and unrequited love through the symbol of a pink triangle. The song navigates the complexities of attraction and misunderstanding, weaving a narrative that is both unique and introspective, highlighting pink’s association with identity and the intricacies of human relationships.
14. “Gold” by Chet Faker
“Gold” by Chet Faker explores the color gold as a symbol of value and allure within romantic relationships, providing a rich metaphor for the preciousness and desirability of deep connections. Through his soulful voice and laid-back electronic beats, Faker translates the luxury and worth of gold into the context of love, making “Gold” resonate with listeners on a quest for something truly invaluable.
15. “Silver Lining” by Rilo Kiley
“Silver Lining” by Rilo Kiley captures the hopeful undertones the color silver brings to this indie anthem, symbolizing optimism amidst despair. The track beautifully weaves the metaphor of finding a ‘silver lining’ in dark times, encouraging listeners to look beyond the immediate troubles and find the glimmer of hope that lies ahead.
16. “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles
“Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles uses the color yellow to invite listeners into a joyful, imaginative world, encapsulating a sense of adventure and camaraderie beneath the sea’s surface. This whimsical track creates an enchanting narrative that transcends age, showcasing The Beatles’ ability to craft songs that spark imagination and foster a sense of unity and happiness through the vibrant hue of yellow.
17. “Tangled Up in Blue” by Bob Dylan
“Tangled Up in Blue” by Bob Dylan showcases the storytelling mastery of the artist, using shades of blue to weave a complex narrative tapestry. Dylan’s lyrical prowess draws listeners into a series of interconnected stories, where the color blue symbolizes the multifaceted emotional landscapes of the characters, illustrating the power of color to deepen narrative and evoke emotion.
18. “Black Magic Woman” by Santana
“Black Magic Woman” by Santana uses the color black to mystify and enchant, wrapping listeners in a spellbinding aura that’s both seductive and slightly ominous. Through its mesmerizing guitar riffs and smooth rhythms, Santana crafts a musical piece that encapsulates the allure and mystery of the “Black Magic Woman,” making the color an integral part of the song’s hypnotic appeal.
19. “White Horse” by Taylor Swift
“White Horse” by Taylor Swift examines the idealistic and somber connotations of the color white, juxtaposing fairy tale expectations against the reality of heartbreak. Swift uses the imagery of a white horse to symbolize purity and chivalry, ultimately deconstructing these ideals to portray a more nuanced, reflective view on love and disappointment.
20. “Lady in Red” by Chris DeBurgh
“Lady in Red” by Chris DeBurgh discusses the enduring appeal and romantic imagery associated with the color red, capturing the essence of timeless love and attraction. DeBurgh’s heartfelt lyrics and melodious tune highlight the captivating allure of the lady in red, making the song a tribute to the power of red as a symbol of love and desire.
