Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories, and song titles can often serve as a reflection of this power. One particular type of song title that has become increasingly popular over the years is those that incorporate colors. Whether it’s a reference to a specific feeling or mood, or simply a playful play on words, songs with colors in their title have a way of resonating with listeners. From classic hits like “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix and “Black and White” by Three Dog Night, to more recent favorites like “Yellow” by Coldplay and “Redbone” by Childish Gambino, these songs span across different genres and decades, yet all have one thing in common – the powerful impact that color can have on our emotions and experiences. This article takes a closer look at some of the most iconic songs with colors in their title and the various interpretations and meanings behind them. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, hip-hop, or any other genre, this article is sure to provide a fascinating insight into the musical world and the power of color.
1. “Red” by Taylor Swift
“Red” is a country-pop song by Taylor Swift, released as the fourth single from her fourth studio album of the same name. The song is about the intense emotions that come with a tumultuous relationship, and how those emotions can overwhelm and consume someone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love and heartbreak, with references to colors and shades that help to convey the intense feelings that the singer is experiencing. The instrumentation is lively and upbeat, with a strong rhythm section and twangy guitar, which provides a contrast to the somber lyrics. “Red” is considered one of Swift’s signature songs and has become a staple of her live performances.
2. “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles
“Yellow Submarine” is a song by the legendary British band, The Beatles. The song was released in 1966 as part of their album “Revolver” and is considered a classic of the psychedelic pop genre. The song’s upbeat melody, whimsical lyrics and fun sound effects are designed to transport the listener to an underwater world of adventure and excitement. The song’s message is one of peace and love, with the refrain “we all live in a yellow submarine” symbolizing unity and togetherness. “Yellow Submarine” has become one of The Beatles’ most recognizable songs, known for its cheerful melody, imaginative lyrics and upbeat vibe. It continues to be a popular choice for children and families, as well as a classic of the Beatles’ extensive musical legacy.
3. “Pink” by Aerosmith
“Pink” is a song by the American rock band Aerosmith, released on their 1997 album “Nine Lives”. The song is a mid-tempo ballad that showcases the band’s signature bluesy sound and Steven Tyler’s distinctive voice. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is trying to get over a lost love and is haunted by memories of her. The song’s title refers to the protagonist’s emotions, which are described as being “in the pink”, meaning a state of feeling good and relaxed. “Pink” was well received by fans and critics and is considered one of Aerosmith’s most memorable ballads. The song’s bluesy sound and powerful vocals have made it a staple of classic rock radio and a highlight of the band’s live performances.
4. “Purple Rain” by Prince
“Purple Rain” is a song by the iconic musician Prince, released in 1984 as part of the soundtrack for the movie of the same name. The song is a power ballad that showcases Prince’s virtuosity as a singer, songwriter and musician. The lyrics are a symbol of hope and spirituality, with Prince singing about the transformative power of love and the belief that a better life awaits. The song’s title, “Purple Rain”, refers to a metaphorical cleansing of the soul and a release from pain and suffering. “Purple Rain” is widely considered to be one of Prince’s greatest songs and is a testament to his genius as a musician. The song’s powerful lyrics, soaring vocals and haunting melody have made it an enduring classic and a defining moment in Prince’s storied career.
5. “Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues
“Nights in White Satin” is a song by the British rock band The Moody Blues, released in 1967. The song is a slow, haunting ballad that showcases the band’s lush harmonies and sumptuous orchestration. The lyrics are a nostalgic ode to lost love and the fleeting nature of youth, with the singer longing for a simpler, happier time. The song’s title, “Nights in White Satin”, refers to the dreamlike quality of the singer’s memories and the idea that these memories are like a piece of soft, comforting fabric. “Nights in White Satin” is widely considered one of the greatest love songs of all time and is a defining moment in the band’s discography. The song’s emotional power and timeless appeal have made it an enduring classic and a staple of classic rock radio.
6. “Gold” by Chet Faker
“Gold” is a song by the Australian musician Chet Faker, released in 2013. The song is an atmospheric, downtempo track that showcases Chet Faker’s soulful vocals and minimalist production style. The lyrics are a reflection on a failed relationship, with the singer expressing regret over letting a love slip away. The song’s title, “Gold”, is a metaphor for the valuable and precious nature of the relationship and the singer’s regret that it was not cherished and preserved. “Gold” was a hit for Chet Faker, receiving critical acclaim and reaching the top of charts in several countries. The song’s sparse, haunting melody and emotive vocals have made it a standout track in Chet Faker’s discography and a favorite among fans of electronic and alternative music.
7. “Red Red Wine” by UB40
“Red Red Wine” is a song by the British reggae-pop band UB40, originally recorded by American singer Neil Diamond in 1967. The UB40 version was released in 1983 and became a huge international hit. The song is a reggae-infused love ballad with upbeat lyrics about the singer’s love for red wine as a cure for heartache. The song’s title, “Red Red Wine”, is a reference to the comforting and mood-enhancing qualities of the drink. “Red Red Wine” became one of UB40’s most well-known songs, reaching the top of charts in several countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. The song’s catchy melody, upbeat vibe and singalong chorus have made it a staple of dance and party playlists, as well as a classic of the reggae-pop genre.
8. “White Horse” by Taylor Swift
“White Horse” is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released in 2008 as part of her second studio album “Fearless.” The song is a mid-tempo ballad about the disillusionment and heartbreak of a failed relationship. The lyrics are a powerful expression of the disappointment and sadness that come with being let down by someone you love. The song’s title, “White Horse”, is a reference to the traditional fairy-tale image of a knight in shining armor riding in to save the day. In the song, the singer realizes that this idealized romantic figure is not real, and that she must learn to find her own strength and happiness. “White Horse” is a standout track in Taylor Swift’s discography and a favorite among fans for its raw emotional power and relatable lyrics.
9. “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance
“Welcome to the Black Parade” is a song by the American rock band My Chemical Romance, released in 2006 as the lead single from their third studio album “The Black Parade”. The song is a grand, theatrical anthem that blends elements of rock, punk, and classical music. The lyrics tell the story of a protagonist on their deathbed, revisiting their life as a member of a black-clad parade of souls. The song’s title, “Welcome to the Black Parade”, is an invitation to join this journey into the afterlife. “Welcome to the Black Parade” is one of My Chemical Romance’s most well-known and beloved songs, and has become a staple of the emo and alternative rock genres. The song’s epic scale and emotional intensity have earned it a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
10. “Evergreen” by Will Young
“Evergreen” is a song by the British singer-songwriter Will Young, released in 2002 as the winner’s single for the first season of the UK singing competition show “Pop Idol”. The song is a soft, romantic ballad with a tender, acoustic melody. The lyrics are a love letter to a lost love, expressing the singer’s longing for a relationship that has ended but still lives on in their memories. The song’s title, “Evergreen”, is a reference to the idea of something that remains fresh and unchanged over time, like an evergreen tree. “Evergreen” became a huge hit for Will Young, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. The song’s timeless melody and emotionally resonant lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of adult contemporary music.
11. “Green Light” by Lorde
“Green Light” is a song by the New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde, released in 2017 as the lead single from her second studio album “Melodrama”. The song is a upbeat, dance-inspired track with a pulsing electronic beat and soaring chorus. The lyrics are about moving on from a failed relationship, asking for a “green light” to start anew and leave the past behind. The song’s title, “Green Light”, is a reference to the idea of being given the signal to proceed, often used in reference to starting a race or moving forward. “Green Light” was a huge success for Lorde, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. The song’s catchy chorus and energetic production have made it a favorite among fans of pop and electronic music.
12. “Fields of Gold” by Sting
“Fields of Gold” is a song by the English singer-songwriter Sting, released in 1993 as part of his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales”. The song is a gentle, acoustic ballad with a simple, folksy melody. The lyrics are a love song, expressing the singer’s devotion to his partner and his longing for a time when they will be reunited in fields of gold. The song’s title, “Fields of Gold”, is a metaphor for a paradise of happiness and contentment. “Fields of Gold” became a huge hit for Sting, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. The song’s haunting melody and emotional lyrics have made it a classic of adult contemporary music and a staple of Sting’s repertoire.
13. “Blue Monday” by New Order
“Blue Monday” is a song by the English band New Order, released in 1983 as a single and later appearing on the album “Power, Corruption & Lies”. The song is an electronic dance track with a distinctive synthesizer-driven melody. The lyrics, such as they are, repeat the phrase “How does it feel?” against a backdrop of electronic beats and synths. Despite having no traditional verse-chorus structure, “Blue Monday” became a huge hit for New Order, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. The song’s innovative production and infectious energy have made it a classic of electronic dance music and a staple of New Order’s discography.
14. “Black” by Pearl Jam
“Black” is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam, released in 1991 as part of their debut album “Ten”. The song is a slow, moody ballad with a spare, acoustic guitar-driven melody. The lyrics are introspective and often cryptic, exploring themes of loss, regret, and the passage of time. The song’s title, “Black”, is a reference to the color that symbolizes mourning, darkness, and emptiness. “Black” became a huge hit for Pearl Jam, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. The song’s emotional intensity and powerful lyrics have made it a classic of alternative rock and a staple of Pearl Jam’s repertoire.
15. “Back To Black” by Amy Winehouse
“Back To Black” is a soulful, bluesy track by the late Amy Winehouse. It was released in 2006 as the title track of her second album and became a breakthrough hit. The song is a haunting ballad about heartbreak and moving on from a failed relationship. Winehouse’s powerful, distinctive voice conveys the emotional depth of the lyrics, which are infused with nostalgia and regret. The song’s retro sound, blending elements of soul, jazz, and R&B, has helped establish Winehouse as a unique and influential artist, earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards. “Back To Black” remains a timeless classic and a testament to Winehouse’s timeless talent.
16. “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young
“Heart of Gold” is a classic folk rock song by Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young. It was released in 1972 and became his biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s simple, acoustic-based arrangement, featuring Young’s distinctive nasal tenor, is paired with wistful lyrics about searching for fulfillment and finding love. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its optimistic, melodic melody and memorable chorus, as well as its universal themes of love and hope. “Heart of Gold” has become one of Young’s signature songs and has been covered by countless artists, cementing its place in the annals of popular music.
17. “Back in Black” by AC/DC
“Back in Black” is a classic rock anthem by AC/DC released in 1980. The song features powerful guitar riffs, driving drum beats, and frontman Brian Johnson’s distinctive voice. The lyrics are about a rocker who has returned from the dead, and the song has become an anthem for the band and its fans. With its memorable chorus and energetic performance, “Back in Black” is one of the most iconic rock songs of all time and has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and video games. The song is widely recognized as one of AC/DC’s greatest hits and remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day.
18. “Orange Crush” by R.E.M.
“Orange Crush” is a hit song by the American rock band R.E.M., released in 1988 as a single from their seventh studio album “Green”. The song features a driving beat, jangling guitars, and powerful vocals by Michael Stipe, delivering socially conscious lyrics inspired by the Gulf War. The title refers to a toxic defoliant used by the US military in Vietnam. “Orange Crush” received widespread critical acclaim and is considered one of the band’s defining tracks, showcasing their blend of alternative rock, punk and pop. The song remains a staple of R.E.M.’s live shows and continues to be a fan favorite.
19. “Black or White” by Michael Jackson
“Black or White” is a song by Michael Jackson, released in 1991 as the first single from his eighth studio album, “Dangerous.” The song promotes racial equality and unity, with Jackson singing about the need to love and accept people of all races. The music video features Jackson dancing and performing in various locations around the world, including India and Africa. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning praise for its positive message. “Black or White” is widely regarded as one of Jackson’s greatest hits and is remembered for its impact on popular culture and social issues.
20. “True Blue” by Madonna
“True Blue” is a song by Madonna, released in 1986 as the title track from her third studio album. The song is a love ballad that celebrates the purity and loyalty of true love. The upbeat pop melody and catchy chorus have made “True Blue” one of Madonna’s signature songs, and it remains one of her most beloved and well-known hits. The music video features Madonna in various vintage-inspired settings, singing and dancing to the song with her trademark energy and style. “True Blue” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and cementing Madonna’s status as a pop icon. The song is widely regarded as one of her finest works.
21. “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
“Brown Sugar” is a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1971 as the opening track of their album “Sticky Fingers.” The song is a blues-influenced rocker that tells the story of a man’s sexual attraction to a black woman. Despite its controversial lyrics, “Brown Sugar” has become one of The Rolling Stones’ most popular and enduring hits, and is widely regarded as one of their signature songs. The song features Keith Richards’ distinctive guitar work and Mick Jagger’s raw and energetic vocals. “Brown Sugar” has been covered by many artists and continues to be a staple of classic rock radio. The song remains a testament to The Rolling Stones’ ability to create timeless, impactful rock music.
22. “Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who
“Behind Blue Eyes” is a song by the English rock band The Who, released in 1971 on their album “Who’s Next.” The song is a ballad that explores feelings of loneliness and isolation, with lyrics that describe the pain of living life with a mask of stoicism and strength. Despite its melancholic tone, “Behind Blue Eyes” has become one of The Who’s most popular and well-known songs, and is widely regarded as one of their finest works. The song features Pete Townshend’s introspective lyrics and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals, backed by the band’s signature rock sound. “Behind Blue Eyes” has been covered by numerous artists and continues to be a staple of classic rock radio. The song remains a timeless exploration of the human condition.
23. “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell
“Big Yellow Taxi” is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, released on her 1970 album “Ladies of the Canyon”. The song features a mix of folk, rock, and jazz music, and its lyrics reflect Mitchell’s concerns about environmentalism and urbanization. The song became a hit, reaching the Top 20 in several countries. The lyrics describe a cityscape where the natural environment has been destroyed to make way for concrete and asphalt, and the chorus laments the loss of the “big yellow taxi” that has taken away the “tree”. The song has since been covered by many artists and remains a staple of folk and protest music.
24. “Green Green Grass of Home” by Tom Jones
“Green Green Grass of Home” is a country song written by Curly Putman and popularized by Welsh singer Tom Jones. The song was released in 1965 and became a hit for Jones, reaching the Top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and establishing him as a popular performer. The song is a nostalgic ballad about a man who is dreaming of his childhood home, and the green fields and rolling hills of his childhood. The lyrics paint a picture of a simpler time and place, and the chorus repeats the line “the green, green grass of home.” The song has since been covered by many artists, and remains one of the most well-known and beloved country ballads of all time.
25. “Paint it, Black” by The Rolling Stones
“Paint It, Black” is a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released as a single in 1966. The song features a powerful bassline, driving percussion, and eerie sitar riffs, creating a distinctive and haunting sound. The lyrics, sung by Mick Jagger, reflect on the singer’s dark and depressed state of mind, with lines like “I see a red door and I want it painted black.” The song became a hit for the Stones, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and establishing the band as one of the most influential groups of the rock and roll era. “Paint It, Black” has since been covered by many artists, and remains one of the most recognizable and enduring rock songs of all time.
26. “Black Magic Woman” by Santana
“Black Magic Woman” is a classic rock song by the Latin rock band Santana, released on their 1970 album “Abraxas”. The song was originally written by British musician Peter Green and recorded by Fleetwood Mac, but Santana’s version is the most well-known. The song features the band’s distinctive blend of Latin rock, with its driving rhythm section, fluid guitar solos, and powerful horns. The lyrics describe a woman who has cast a spell on the singer, and he is powerless to resist her “black magic.” The song became a hit for Santana, reaching the Top 10 on the charts and helping to establish the band as one of the leading acts of the Latin rock movement. “Black Magic Woman” remains one of Santana’s most popular songs, and is considered a classic of the rock and roll era.
27. “Behind Blue Eyes” by Limp Bizkit
“Behind Blue Eyes” is a nu-metal song by the American band Limp Bizkit, released in 2003. The song is a cover of The Who’s classic song of the same name, and features the band’s distinctive blend of heavy guitar riffs, aggressive percussion, and aggressive vocals. The lyrics describe the feelings of anger, frustration, and loneliness that can often accompany a life in the public eye. The chorus repeats the line “No one knows what it’s like to be the bad man” and reflects the singer’s feeling of being misunderstood and judged. The song was well received by fans of Limp Bizkit, and helped to establish the band as one of the leading acts in the nu-metal genre. Despite its heavy sound and aggressive lyrics, “Behind Blue Eyes” remains a popular and enduring song for fans of alternative rock.
28. “Tangled Up in Blue” by Bob Dylan
“Tangled Up in Blue” is a song by legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on his 1975 album “Blood on the Tracks”. The song is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s greatest achievements and is considered a classic of the singer-songwriter genre. The song features Dylan’s characteristic poetic and cryptic lyrics, which paint a picture of love, loss, and regret. The song’s narrative structure is fragmented, with the lyrics jumping back and forth in time and perspective, creating a sense of tangled emotions and memories. The song has been covered by many artists and remains a staple of Dylan’s live performances. “Tangled Up in Blue” is a timeless classic, and is considered one of the greatest songs of the 20th century.
29. “Pink Triangle ” by Weezer
“Pink Triangle” is a song by the American alternative rock band Weezer, released on their 1996 album “Pinkerton”. The song features the band’s signature blend of catchy power pop hooks and introspective lyrics, and is considered a classic of the alternative rock genre. The lyrics of “Pink Triangle” tell the story of a man who falls in love with another man, and the challenges he faces as a result of his sexuality. The chorus repeats the line “What’s the matter babe, is the boss not here?” and reflects the singer’s feelings of frustration and isolation. The song is widely regarded as one of Weezer’s best tracks and is a fan favorite, regularly appearing in the band’s live setlists. “Pink Triangle” remains a powerful and enduring song that speaks to the challenges and triumphs of love and acceptance.
30. “Yellow” by Coldplay
“Yellow” is a song by the British alternative rock band Coldplay, released on their 2000 debut album “Parachutes”. The song features a simple yet catchy guitar riff and delicate piano melody, and showcases the band’s signature blend of introspective lyrics and uplifting melody. The lyrics of “Yellow” describe the singer’s feelings of love and longing for someone, with lines like “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you.” The song became a massive hit for Coldplay, reaching the Top 10 in several countries and establishing the band as one of the leading acts of the early 21st century. “Yellow” remains one of Coldplay’s most popular and enduring songs, and is widely regarded as a classic of the alternative rock genre.
Jason Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
