Though black in Black Friday refers to the chaos caused by frenzied crowds of holiday shoppers, the idea of the colour black in modern music is a versatile motif, reflecting a broad range of human experiences and cultural contexts, from deep personal pain to collective strength and style. Here are some popular numbers through the decades with black in their title, each conveying a mood, message or experience that continue to resonate with listeners.
Back to Black
— Amy Winehouse (2006)
Arguably the cornerstone of its self-titled album and the first song Winehouse wrote and recorded for it, Back to Black is a cathartic symphony of sadness written by the singer along with Mark Ronson, a producer who helmed six of the album’s 11 songs. Using the word ‘black’ as a metaphor for the abyss of depression she had plunged into, Back To Black is a bleak portrait of heartbreak, inspired in all likelihood by Winehouse’s ex-boyfriend’s infidelity. Mournful strings and the ominous gong of a tolling bell create a funereal atmosphere, which is dramatically juxtaposed with a danceable, retro-slanted musical backdrop. The stylish black-and-white music video for Back To Black is symbolic of the singer mourning her relationship. Complete with a funeral procession, coffin, hearse, lilies, and fellow mourners, and a small burial site she lays flowers on, suggested as though she was burying her own broken heart with the song. With its timeless story of betrayal and heartbreak, the song has a universality that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever suffered rejection and a broken heart.
Black or White
— Michael Jackson (1991)
Black or White has become a defiant and emphatic anthem for racial harmony. The single didn’t just top the charts; it sparked conversations and became a hallmark of the early ’90s zeitgeist. At its core, the track is a vibrant celebration of the shared human experience, transcending barriers of race and colour. Beyond its pop appeal, Black or White represents Jackson’s crusade against racial discrimination. The lines “It don’t matter if you’re black or white” serves as a direct confrontation of societal divisions. Its music video depicts the King of Pop challenging the image of the traditional White American, offering an alternate vision of global cooperation and harmony without hierarchy. Fluidly adapting to the dance movements and styles of different cultural and racial groups in the video, he celebrates cosmopolitanism while exposing surface stereotypes for what they are. Standing out for its poignant, lyrical moments, Black or White acknowledges a shared humanity and transforms into a profound plea for worldwide harmony.
Baby’s in Black
— The Beatles (1964)
Crafted during the height of Beatlemania, Baby’s in Black embodies a moment of sorrow amidst a merry sea of pop tunes. The song is about a man whose lady love is dressed in black because she is depressed over a past lover who will never return. The melancholic essence of the song is driven home by its lyrics that paint a vivid portrait of a woman in mourning. The identity of the ‘Baby’ has been the subject of speculation for decades, with fans theorising about who this sorrowful figure might represent. The repetition of the words “Baby’s in black” in the song underlines the continuous nature of the grieving process. Though the colour black traditionally symbolises mourning, here it also underscores a commitment to memory and the inability to move on from the past. The woman’s dedication to mourning is painfully apparent as the protagonist notes the futility of longing for someone who “will never come back”, ultimately reflecting the reality of the song — the curse of unrequited love and the pain of loving someone who is preoccupied with another.
Black Velvet
— Alannah Myles (1989)
Sung in the smoky voice of Myles, this global smash hit which was featured on her self-titled debut album, is an ode to Elvis Presley. Her powerhouse vocals, combined with the electrifying guitar riffs, made the track an instant classic and remains one of the most memorable songs of the 1980s. The song celebrates the rise and enduring influence of the King of rock and roll, capturing the sensuality, cultural impact and almost religious devotion he inspired in his fans. It describes the allure and charisma of a young musician who captivated audiences with his talent and charm, likened to the smoothness and richness of black velvet. In the first verse, Myles paints a picture of Elvis in his signature black velvet jumpsuits and the adoring gaze of his fans. The lyrics evoke a sense of admiration and longing for someone who is looked upon as an enigmatic figure. At its core, Black Velvet is a sultry love letter to the intoxicating power of music and the bittersweet ache of idolising someone who feels both immortal and heartbreakingly fleeting.
Black Beauty
— Lana Del Rey (2014)
Black Beauty describes a relationship with a man whose darkness threatens to eclipse his lover. The song paints an intimate picture of heartache and sorrow. Through poignant imagery and passionate lyrics, the singer draws a vivid portrait of a relationship gone wrong. The protagonist paints her nails, hair and the sky black — she tries to connect with and change for the sake of her partner — even to the point of adopting a dark aesthetic, but ultimately expresses her sadness with his inability to appreciate life’s beauty. That she wears black leather for her wedding dress conveys her reluctance and despondence with this relationship, as does her choice of keeping her lips red to fake the illusion of cherries in the spring. The chorus conveys the hopelessness and sad paradox of her situation — she knows that life is beautiful but the person she loves cannot appreciate it. Though Black Beauty is a sad song about loving someone who is unable to reciprocate because of their emotional pain, the song also serves as a reminder of the importance of connecting with and appreciating the beauty of life, even in the darkest of moments.
Black Magic Woman
— Santana (1970)
Written by British musician Peter Green, the lyrics of Black Magic Woman were inspired by Green’s former girlfriend, Sandra Elsdon, who he had nicknamed Magic Mamma. Santana’s 1970 cover version features the distinctive guitar work of Carlos Santana and the vocals of Gregg Rolie. The lyrics tell a story of enchantment and narrates the story of a woman with supernatural, occult or black magic powers, who can cast a spell on anyone who listens to her. She is perceived as enchanting but also dangerous as she can turn hearts to stone and blind with her spells. The lyrics also capture the feeling of being hopelessly attracted to and obsessed by a woman with a magical or manipulative charm; it may also define the feeling of being allured and trapped in the clutches of a controlling, domineering woman. Santana’s version added to the song’s mystique with his haunting guitar rhythms. While the original song is about a mysterious and intoxicating woman, Santana’s version is known for its passionate, Latin-infused arrangement that perfectly captures the feeling of being consumed by her magic.
Black Hole Sun
— Soundgarden (1994)
An iconic song of the 1990s, Black Hole Sun, with its distinctive sound and cryptic lyrics, has intrigued audiences globally. Its verses depict a world marred by scorching heat and a pervasive summer stench, conjuring feelings of discomfort and unrest. Initially, the titular “black hole sun” seems evocative of a force that can “wash away the rain”, suggesting a desire for cleansing or even annihilation, an apocalyptic interpretation that finds resonance in the song’s video that is replete with surreal and dystopian imagery. But a deeper understanding of its lyrics reveals an evident struggle with duality. The song can be interpreted as a battle between hope and despair, apathy and emotion or even life and afterlife. The recurring theme of the sun, traditionally a symbol of life and light being equated with a black hole, an astronomical entity that devours everything, adds complexity to the song. The blend of light and darkness, creation and destruction, is at the heart of the song’s enigmatic appeal and resonates with listeners, reminding them of the mysteries of the human experience.
The Black Dog
— Taylor Swift (2024)
In this melancholic ballad, Swift reminisces a failed relationship with a former lover, referencing a pub called The Black Dog frequented by them when they were together. The song also evokes a sense of despair and struggle, hinting at more complex emotions. A searing analysis of heartbreak, it finds the singer confronting the shock and agonising reality of being replaced and the casual cruelty of a former lover who seems to have effortlessly moved on, leaving her to grapple with the remnants of their shared past. The song delves into the speaker’s inner turmoil as she navigates the pain of seeing her intimate experiences replicated with someone new. The song becomes a desperate plea for the recognition of the impact of his betrayal, revealing the pain of a love that still resonates within her. Through vivid imagery and piercingly honest lyrics, Swift lays bare the raw emotions of loss, misery and the desperate need to be remembered, reinforcing through them the painful process of letting go.
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