Here’s a song that’s nearly 50 years old but doesn’t sound a day over 25.
1966’s ‘Paint It Black’ was The Rolling Stones’ third #1 single in the U.S. (following ‘I Can’t Get No Satisfaction’ and ‘Get Off of My Cloud). They would release five more over the next 12 years and never again reach the top of the charts (barring a surprise new release by the octogenarians).
The album containing ‘Paint It Black’ (Aftermath) kicked off a run of seven stellar albums in eight years, the sort of sustained excellence rarely seen in the modern era.
I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colours 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
[Verse 1]
I see a line of cars and they’re all 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
[Guitar solo]
I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door and must have it painted 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
[Bridge]
No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue
I could not foresee this thing happening to you
[Bridge]
If I look hard enough into the setting sun
My love will laugh with me before the morning comes
[Chorus]
[Outro]
I wanna see it painted, painted black
Black as night, black as coal
I wanna see the sun blotted out from the sky
I wanna see it painted, painted, painted, painted black
I was sure “Start Me Up” hit #1, but apparently stuck at #2, blocked by “Arthur’s Theme Song (Between the Moon and New York City).” However, they did have a few more number ones after “Paint it Black:”
1967 – “Ruby Tuesday”
1969 – “Honky Tonk Woman”
1971 – “Brown Sugar”
1973 – “Angie”
1978 – “Miss You”
My phrasing was confusing… I meant they would release five more #1 hits over the next 12 years (the ones you listed) and then never again reach the top spot.