37 Best Songs With Black In The Title
Black is arguably one of the most powerful colors there is. It can be all encompassing, drowning other colors out. It can represent the smart, with black cards and black suits. It can also represent the not so good, with black sheep and black magic.
Many musicians have written songs around this theme, and today we’ll share the best songs with black in the title.
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1. “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
Song Year: 2006
The track’s lyrics talk about the vicious cycle people frequently enter into when recovering from an ended relationship. “Black to Black” means she had difficulty returning to the life she was accustomed to after her boyfriend left her for his ex-girlfriend.
Whereas some individuals understand “black” to refer to a sad mood and drinking, others understand it as black tar heroin. The singer struggled with substance abuse and alcoholism.
2. “Man in Black” by Johnny Cash
Song Year: 1971
The track’s title was one of the many Cash nicknames. The lyrics convey a serious message about the unequal distribution of resources in the United States.
The song addresses racial inequality, the Vietnam War, and the criminal justice system. Cash affirmed that he became motivated to compose the song after talking to college students about the issues they were facing.
3. “Two Black Cadillacs” by Carrie Underwood
Song Year: 2012
The song is about two women who have come together for exact vengeance. The lyrics describe how a wife dials an unknown number on her husband’s phone and speaks to his mistress.
Instead of blaming each other, they collaborate to deal with their cheating boyfriend. Two months later, they both show up in black Cadillacs for his funeral and fake sad faces as the pastor and the deceased man’s brother speak highly of his morals.
4. “Black Water” by The Doobie Brothers
Song Year: 1974
The song’s protagonist desires a slow boat ride on the Mississippi River at night. He fantasizes about catching one big catfish and stopping in New Orleans for jazz and drinks.
Although a boat ride down the Mississippi sounds like a lot of fun, the river is quite dirty due to runoff from farms and cities. Furthermore, it harbors leeches, snakes, sharks, and alligators. Some issues are best when addressed through music.
5. “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Turnstall
Song Year: 2005
The track is about the courage to follow your heart when making decisions. The lyrics are about a lady who doesn’t understand what she wants. The protagonist wanders through the wilderness until she comes to a crossroads and must decide on her life’s direction. She comes across a cherry tree and a big black horse, signaling marriage.
She doesn’t accept the marriage proposal but ends up regretting it. Her heart, the cherry tree, and the black horse turn their backs on her and go on to lead happy lives.
6. “Black or White” by Michael Jackson
Song Year: 1991
Before the birth of contemporary campaigns against racial discrimination, Michael Jackson used his music to advocate for racial cohesion. Before the track’s release, Jackson’s reputation had declined due to his odd behavior and shifting appearance.
The tune is a call for racial equality. The singer says he’s sick of hearing about “this stuff,” which maintains that race is irrelevant. He declares that he’s no longer frightened by Klan sheets and appeals to his listeners’ logic.
7. “Black Honey” by Thrice
Song Year: 2016
The song describes the United States' interference with Middle East issues. The singer employs a metaphor of a guy who continually dips his hands in a beehive to extract honey. He doesn’t seem to realize they may retaliate if he disturbs them.
8. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin
Song Year: 1971
The song’s lyrics depict a woman as a black dog. The singer narrates about a beautiful lady he’s interested in. Sadly, the lady wastes his money, runs away with his vehicle, and uses their association to build a name for herself. The track depicts the singer’s regrets and hopes of getting a decent lady who will bring him happiness.
9. “Back in Black” by AC/DC
Song Year: 1980
The track was AC/DC’s first album to feature lead vocalist Brian Johnson. It was also their first album release after the death of the original lead singer, Bon Scott. It’s widely interpreted as a tribute to Scott, who met his untimely death after a thrilling night. Instead of evoking sad emotions, the track commemorates Scott’s contribution as a friend and band member.
10. “Black Rose” by Volbeat ft. Danko Jones
Song Year: 2017
Black roses represent anguish and wickedness. The lyrics express the pain of betrayal as the singer talks about his evil partner who shattered his dreams, told lies, and caused him great suffering.
However, despite his contempt towards his ex-love, he still holds onto the memories they created during the relationship’s infancy. He’s hopeful that they can mend their differences and be happy again.
11. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
Song Year: 1994
The song paints the picture of a world overrun by darkness and despair. The title refers to a black hole, a phenomenon in space where gravity is so strong that not even light can escape. That idea of something inconceivable represents the complexities of life and death and themes of loneliness and loss.
Soundgarden’s lead vocalist Chris Cornell wrote the track Kurt Cobain’s death, Nirvana’s lead singer. He fought depression for an extended period and eventually committed suicide in 2017.
12. “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown
Song Year: 1968
The track celebrates the strength and independence of black people. Racial tensions in the United States were very high in the 1960s, and the song became a powerful anthem of the civil rights movement.
Brown described the song as “an anthem of black pride.” The lyrics are a rallying call for African-Americans to stand up for their rights and be proud of their heritage.
