55 BEST Songs With Colors In The Title
We experience colors every single day, though we don’t always think about it. Everything has a color, be it a tree or a flower.
But colors also represent feelings and emotions. They affect our perception of things. It’s one of the reasons color psychology is utilized in marketing and advertising.
Much the same way a visual artist uses color to express themselves, musicians also use color in their lyrics to share different messages.
So, here are the best songs with colors in the title to brighten up your day.
Contents
“Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles
Song year: 1966
It’s hard to think of a better song to kick off this is list than The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine,” which is an all-time singalong classic.
Songwriter Paul McCartney wrote the song with drummer Ringo Starr in mind, because Starr always got his moment on every Beatles album.
“Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” by Mr. Big
Song year: 1991
A personal favorite (because of the chord progression and guitar playing), “Green-Tinted Sixties Mind” is about a girl who’s haunted by her past.
The green tint refers to 60s movies which apparently have a bit of a green tint to them.
“Pink” by Aerosmith
Song year: 1997
I’m relatively sure I don’t need to explain what this song is about. Kids, if you don’t know what this song means now – trust me, you will find out in good time.
Either way, to me, it stands as one of the best pop-rock songs from the late 90s.
“Red Red Wine” by UB40
Song year: 1983
If you’ve ever felt sad about a breakup, then surely you can relate to this song, where the narrator indulges in large quantities of wine to drown his sorrows.
Compositionally, it’s a slow, lighthearted reggae influenced tune, which is one of the reasons people love it so much. It's easy to dance to!
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Song year: 1967
Ah, to be in love and to be enthralled by someone beautiful.
The first verse of “Brown Eyed Girl” paints a picture of a couple in paradise, while in the second verse we find the narrator reminiscing about the time he spent with the brown eyed girl.
A simple song, and one of Morrison’s most recognizable.
“Black The Sky” by King’s X
Song year: 1994
This bit of grunge rock goodness isn’t widely known but it certainly deserves to be.
The song mostly seems to be about singer and bassist dUg Pinnick’s struggle to fit in, especially where expectations were placed on him.
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John
Song year: 1973
I hope you're enjoying this list so far. If so, let's look at some more songs with colors in the title. 🙂
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John is an incredible song, and the title is an obvious reference to The Wizard of Oz.
The song is apparently about the desire to go from a life of fame and fortune to a much simpler life.
“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix
Song year: 1967
“Purple Haze” is Jimi Hendrix’ trademark psychedelic rock classic. Rock wouldn’t be what it is today without Hendrix, whose influence has been beyond just about every guitar player you could name.
Most people assume the song is about drugs, but it was inspired by a dream Hendrix had where he could walk underwater. Apparently, a purple haze came along and engulfed him. That's when Jesus came to save him.
“Purple Rain” by Prince
Song year: 1984
Much the same way “Purple Haze” made Jimi Hendrix a legend, Prince will probably be remembered most for rock ballad “Purple Rain.” What you may not know is that it was originally written as a country song! So yes, it was almost one of the country songs with a color in the title.
This song is on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list and is apparently about the end of the world. This wouldn’t be Prince’s only song about that subject.
“Fields Of Gold” by Sting
Song year: 1993
The title might not ring a bell, but if you’ve ever tuned into easy listening radio, then it’s unlikely you haven’t heard “Fields Of Gold.”
The song seems to be telling the story of a love triangle, but Sting said he was basically just inspired by the barley fields in England, and thought they were romantic. He imagined lovers meeting there.
“Back To Black” by Amy Winehouse
Song year: 2006
“Back To Black” is a well-recognized Amy Winehouse number. As with many Winehouse songs, this one is basically about a troubled relationship.
I tend to prefer her jazz-influenced tunes to this one, but it’s got its moments.
“Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who
Song year: 1971
Limp Bizkit gave this song a second life, but know it or not, it all started with English rock band The Who.
The song tells the story of a bouncer The Who met in Brighton, UK. Apparently, he had a dark military history, and his deep blues eyes reflected the losses and hardships he’d faced.
“Back In Black” by AC/DC
Song year: 1980
“Back In Black” is an AC/DC anthem. After all, after the death of their singer Bon Scott, they could have called it quits.
Their return to the stage with Brian Johnson signified more than just being “back.” The group was re-energized by their new singer.
“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell
Song year: 1970
I don’t know if “Big Yellow Taxi” is Joni Mitchell’s most covered song, but it has certainly benefited from groups like Counting Crows reinterpreting it. They gave it a second life.
The song is basically about modernization and not recognizing what you’ve lost until it’s been “paved over.”
“Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
Song year: 1994
There’s nothing quite like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” that epitomizes grunge, but Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” certainly comes close to encapsulating the era.
Soundgarden front-man Chris Cornell wrote “Black Hole Sun” after he’d heard a fragment of something a TV anchor said.
“Black Or White” by Michael Jackson
Song year: 1991
Want some more top songs about colors? Well this song doesn’t need any introduction. It’s Michael Jackson’s impossibly catchy song about racism and uniting the world.
“Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65
Song year: 1999
In the 90s, a lot of novelty dance songs became big hits (think “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex or “Barbie Girl” by Aqua). Eiffel 65’s “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” is the prime example, but it's still remembered well, and a lot of people were into it.
I was never much of a fan of the song, but I do understand why people like it.
“Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
Song year: 1971
There isn’t much we could say about “Brown Sugar” that hasn’t already been said. It’s a party song about the addictive nature of drugs and girls, and this is reflected in the lyrics and the upbeat music too.
“Little Red Corvette” by Prince
Song year: 1982
It’s a Prince song. So, what do you think it’s about? Kids, if you don't understand now… You will eventually.
Either way, it’s still one of my favorite Prince songs. The chorus is unforgettable.
“Men In Black” by Will Smith
Song year: 1997
In the 90s, it seemed as though Will Smith could do no wrong (though he did star in Wild Wild West before the turn of the millennium, and that was a spot on his otherwise spotless record).
“Men In Black” was clearly written with the movie in mind and is a superhero theme song of sorts.
“Orange Crush” by R.E.M.
Song year: 1988
R.E.M. at its most aggressive, “Orange Crush” is about the chemical “Agent Orange” that was used in the Vietnam War and was written about songwriter Michael Stipe’s father, who was in the war.
“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones
Song year: 1966
Another Rolling Stones classic that needs no introduction, the exotic sounding “Paint It Black” is plainly about depression.
Its melody is unforgettable.
“True Blue” by Madonna
Song year: 1986
Diving deep into an early Madonna song is sure to have diminishing returns. Let’s simply appreciate it for the catchy song that it is.
“True Blue” is all about kissing frogs and eventually finding “true love.”
“White Wedding” by Billy Idol
Song year: 1982
“White Wedding” is one of Billy Idol’s most recognized and best songs. From the outset, it carries a darker, angrier tone, suggesting that it’s not a celebratory occasion.
Although it was rumored to be a song about his little sister’s impure “white” wedding, it was apparently a song about unrequited love, as the woman Billy loved got married to another man.
“Yellow” by Coldplay
Song year: 2000
Coldplay’s signature song, “Yellow” is clearly a love song.
While the band was up in the studio, the band looked up at the stars in the sky, and this inspired singer Chris Martin to begin penning the tune.
“Yellow” is the missing keyword Martin was looking for as he was writing the song. Apparently, it was how one of his friends – who happened to be in the studio at the time – glowed.
“Black Betty” by Ram Jam
Song year: 1977
You can’t take this song too seriously, and let’s be honest – the guitar playing is probably the best thing about it.
The lyrics are just there to rhyme, to fill some time, and we don’t mind. Wasted time between guitar solos.
“Green Light” by Beyoncé
Song year: 2006
In “Green Light,” the narrator is basically saying to her significant other, “you’re free to go,” because she doesn’t feel important to him anymore.
Other than that, it’s just a highly listenable, well-arranged pop song.
“White & Nerdy” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
Song year: 2006
“White & Nerdy” is “Weird Al” Yankovic’s hilarious parody of Chamillionaire’s “Ridin.”
In this instance, “white” does refer to the narrator’s race, but it’s all in good fun. The narrator wishes he could “ride” with the gangstas but he's just too white and nerdy.
“Heart Of Gold” by Neil Young
Song year: 1972
“Heart Of Gold” is one of Neil Young’s most recognized tunes and has made many best-of songs lists.
I think this is one of those songs that you can interpret however you like.
“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles
Song year: 1989
Having won the Juno Award for Single of the Year, “Black Velvet” became a major blues rock-pop hit and can still be heard on radio all over today.
The song is a tribute to “The King” Elvis Presley, who apparently used a hair dye called Black Velvet.
“The Lady In Red” by Chris de Burgh
Song year: 1986
“The Lady In Red” is a simple love song, referring to singer and songwriter Chris de Burgh’s real-life wife Diane and was inspired by a memory of when he first saw her and how no man remembers what color his soulmate was wearing when he met her.
“I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” by Elton John
Song year: 1983
“I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” became a well-recognized hit by Elton John, and yes, in this case “blues” does refer to the feeling of sadness.
Written by John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin, this song was penned as a love letter to Taupin’s wife (of the time) Toni Russo, sister of actress Rene Russo.
“Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley
Song year: 1956
This is a hugely popular song with a color in the title. If there’s anything remarkable about this song (beyond the fact that The King performs it), it’s that blue suede shoes were once considered a luxury item in the South to be worn on a night out.
Suede isn’t easy to clean, though, which explains the repeated line, “Don’t step on my blue suede shoes.”
“Fade To Black” by Metallica
Song year: 1984
Drummer Lars Ulrich and singer James Hetfield were apparently obsessed with death at the time of writing this song, which shows through in its dark, somber mood.
Apparently, the fact that Hetfield’s favorite Marshall amp was stolen from the gear truck didn’t help his mood much either.
“Song Sung Blue” by Neil Diamond
Song year: 1972
Here's another of the songs with a color in the title.
This is a relatively general song about how we all have sad moments in our lives, and when we turn them into songs, they can turn happy again.
Fun fact – the song was inspired by the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto #21.
“Blue Bayou” by Roy Orbison
Song year: 1963
In this song, the narrator is sad about a breakup, which explains the “blue” part.
Though Orbison was the first to record the song, it later became Linda Ronstadt’s signature song.
“Black Heart Inertia” by Incubus
Song year: 2009
Clearly, this song is about relationships, and the “black heart” likely refers to pain or disappointment rather than death or depression.
So, a broken heart is slow to move (thus the “inertia”) but the narrator has found someone worth taking a chance on.
That’s how I look at it anyway.
“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
Song year: 1978
“Mr. Blue Sky” is considered one of ELO’s signature songs and is quite Beatlesque.
Songwriter Jeff Lynne was said to have written it during a stay in a Swiss chalet, where it remained dark and misty for two weeks. Suddenly, the sun shone through, he saw the Alps, and entered a prolific writing period.
“Blue Jean” by David Bowie
Song year: 1984
Normally, David Bowie songs are rich with layered meanings and obscure references.
Bowie, however, admitted that “Blue Jean” was just about picking up girls. Not a cerebral song by any means.
It is impossibly catchy, though.
“Into The Blue” by Kylie Minogue
Song year: 2014
“Into The Light” isn’t your typical disco tinged Kylie Minogue hit. It’s still catchy, and poppy, but maybe a little too “modern” for my tastes.
But instead of being about love and relationships (which is what the music video seems to be about), this is a song about empowerment and following the road less traveled, even if it means going alone.
“I Saw Red” by Warrant
Song year: 1990
“I Saw Red” is an otherwise commonplace power ballad (which were fast going out of style at the time) and the song itself is about being betrayed by your lover.
But I must give the song credit for its arrangement, which makes it stand out from other songs like it.
“Red Rain” by Peter Gabriel
Song year: 1987
“Red Rain” was the second single off Peter Gabriel’s much praised solo album So.
This song was inspired by several things, including a recurring dream where Gabriel found himself swimming in his backyard pool drinking cold red wine.
Weird stuff but do a bit of digging for yourself if it sounds interesting to you.
“Black Coffee” by All Saints
Song year: 2000
Kirsty Bertarelli based this song on her relationship with Swiss entrepreneur Ernesto Bertarelli.
The song was later developed by Tim Nichols as a quirky, off center pop song.
“Blue Sunday” by The Doors
Song year: 1970
“Blue Sunday” is a simple song about finding true love. And lyrically, there isn’t much to it.
The song segues nicely from “Peace Frog” and can often be heard playing back to back on the radio.
“Black Magic Woman” by Santana
Song year: 1970
The world music vibes and guitar playing suck you into this song, which can make you care less about what it’s about.
“Black Magic Woman” was originally written by Peter Green and appeared as a Fleetwood Mac single in 1968.
“Red Blooded Woman” by Kylie Minogue
Song year: 2003
As was typical of the time (and is still typical now), “Red Blooded Woman” is a song about lust and obsession.
Did you expect something else from the title?
The song does feature a great arrangement though.
“Blue” by The Verve
Song year: 1993
“Blue” by The Verve seems to be about addiction and how it ruined the narrator’s life.
I like the chord progression and guitars in this number.
“Violet” by Hole
Song year: 1995
Songwriter Courtney Love wrote this song after hearing Nirvana’s Nevermind. She could hardly believe that such great songs would come out of her scene.
In my mind, “Violet” doesn’t measure up (Hole certainly had its moments), but apparently, the song is about being in control.
“Bullet The Blue Sky” by U2
Song year: 1987
Right off the bat, the unsettled, dissonant grooves of “Bullet The Blue Sky” tell you that it’s angry in tone.
The song was inspired by a trip singer Bono made to Nicaragua and El Salvador where he saw how local peasants were impacted by the United States military.
“White Room” by Cream
Song year: 1968
“White Room” is one of Cream’s signature tunes (and one of my favorites), composed by bassist Jack Bruce. The lyrics were written by poet Pete Brown.
Although there are different interpretations, Brown was apparently going through a bit of a different period in his life, transitioning from a poet to a lyricist, giving up drugs and alcohol – all while living in an actual white room on which the song was obviously based.
“Crimson And Clover” by Tommy James & The Shondells
Song year: 1968
This is one of those songs that has lived on through the decades, thanks to countless covers and reinterpretations (not to mention radio airplay).
The song title was apparently set in stone before the lyrics had even been written.
“Blue Skies” by Jamiroquai
Song year: 2010
“Blue Skies” is a bit of an unusual song for Jamiroquai, because it’s not a dance song in the strictest sense, as most of their songs tends to be. But Jamiroquai has range, so they can pull off just about anything if you give them half a chance.
The essence of the song is that regardless of what happens, the narrator isn’t going to listen. He’s just going to focus on the good and enjoy blue skies.
“Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 1” by The Flaming Lips
Song year: 2003
The Flaming Lips’ Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is what your dad would have called a “concept album’, which means all the songs, including this one, are somewhat interconnected.
Yoshimi’s battle is detailed throughout, touching on a variety of topics, mostly melancholy – love, mortality, pacifism, deception, and more.
“Pink Moon” by Nick Drake
Song year: 1972
Pink Moon was Nick Drake’s third and final album. Drake, unfortunately, would never be recognized for his genius in his lifetime.
Lyrically, this is a simple song, though no one knows for sure what it’s about. Some say it was about the blood-red color of the moon during eclipses, but this is not verified.
“Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin
Song year: 1971
Titled because there was a black dog in the studio at the time of recording, “Black Dog” features one of classic rock’s most recognizable guitar riffs ever written.
The lyrics aren’t anything deep – it’s basically just a song about lust.
List Of Songs With A Color In The Title, Final Thoughts
So there are some of the best songs about colors.
Color truly is a fascinating thing, isn’t it?
And music only serves to bring it to life in unexpected ways.
Apparently, some people even see colors when they hear different notes or chords, suggesting that there may be a closer connection between music and color than we even realize.
So if you've ever wondered about a songs color, this is the article for you. 🙂
We hope you enjoyed this guide, found a few songs you hadn’t heard before, and maybe even found a new favorite.
Thanks for joining us for this list of songs with colors in the title, and we’ll see you again soon.