Paint it Black
Vanessa Carlton · Be Not Nobody
no colors anymore, I want them to turn black
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes
I have to turn my head until my darkness goes
I see a line of cars and they are painted black
with flowers and my love both never to come back
I see people turn their heads and quickly look away
like a new born baby it just happens every day
I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door and it's heading into black
maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
it's not easy facing up when your whole world is black
I wanna see it painted painted, painted black, oh baby
I wanna see it painted painted, painted black, oh baby
No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not foresee this thing happening to you
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
my love will laugh with me before the morning comes
I wanna see it painted, painted black, oh
black as night, black as coal
I wanna see the sun blotted from the sky
painted, painted, painted black oh baby
painted painted, painted black
Paint it Black
Vanessa Carlton's "Paint it Black" stands as a defining track from her 2001 album "Be Not Nobody," blending folk-rock instrumentation with introspective songwriting that became a staple of her discography. The recording captures the emotional depth characteristic of her work, often exploring themes of personal struggle and resilience within a melodic framework that bridges indie-folk and alternative rock. While the song shares stylistic DNA with her other hits like "A Thousand Miles," it distinguishes itself through a more somber, atmospheric production that complements the album's narrative arc. Released during a pivotal era for her career, the track has since been recognized as a significant contribution to her body of work, resonating with listeners who appreciate its raw, unpolished authenticity and its place in the broader landscape of 2000s indie music.