There are many popular songs that have a color in the title. Colors are often used in song titles to evoke certain feelings or associations. Some examples of classic pop and rock songs with color titles include “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins, “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, and “Red Red Wine” by Neil Diamond. In this article, we will explore some of the most well-known songs that have a color in the title and discuss the stories and meanings behind them.
Examples of Songs with Color Titles
Here are some examples of popular songs that have a color in the title:
| Song Title | Artist | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| “Blue Suede Shoes” | Carl Perkins | 1956 |
| “Purple Haze” | Jimi Hendrix | 1967 |
| “Pink Cadillac” | Bruce Springsteen | 1984 |
| “Red Red Wine” | Neil Diamond | 1968 |
| “Lady in Red” | Chris de Burgh | 1986 |
| “99 Red Balloons” | Nena | 1983 |
As seen in the table above, some of the most iconic songs in pop, rock, and blues music feature a color in the title. The colors used often signify deeper meaning and symbolism behind the lyrics.
The Story and Meaning Behind “Blue Suede Shoes”
One of the most famous early rock and roll songs with a color title is “Blue Suede Shoes,” written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. The song refers to Perkins’ blue suede shoes, which he did not want anyone to step on while dancing. As Perkins sings in the lyrics:
“Well, it’s one for the money, two for the show
Three to get ready, now go, cat, go
But don’t you step on my blue suede shoes”
You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes”
The song became an instant rockabilly classic. The reference to blue suede shoes symbolized the new youthful, rebellious rock and roll culture of the 1950s. The “cats” Perkins sings about are the new cool teenagers who loved dancing to the energetic new rock music. Perkins didn’t want anyone scuffing up his fancy new shoes while kicking up their heels on the dance floor.
Elvis Presley also recorded Perkins’ song in 1956, helping boost it to #1 on the charts. Over the years, “Blue Suede Shoes” has become one of the most recognized and influential songs in rock history, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Beyond just blue suede shoes, the song came to represent youth culture, freedom, and the joy of dancing for young people in the early days of rock and roll.
The Psychedelic Story of “Purple Haze”
Another color title that is steeped in symbolism is Jimi Hendrix’s 1967 hit “Purple Haze.” Considered one of the greatest psychedelic rock songs ever, “Purple Haze” features Hendrix’s signature distorted guitar playing and mystical, dream-like lyrics:
“‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky
Purple haze all in my brain
Lately things just don’t seem the same
Actin’ funny, but I don’t know why
‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky”
The lyrics reflect the drug-influenced experiences of the 1960s psychedelic era. The “purple haze” refers to being in a fuzzy, dream-like state of mind. Hendrix captures the surreal feeling a psychedelic drug experience, making the listener feel like they are floating into another dimension.
While purple haze literally refers to a state of delirium, it also represents the creativity and spiritual exploration associated with psychedelic drugs during the 1960s cultural revolution. The freedom of the purple haze symbolized the mind expansion sought after by Hendrix and the counterculture at that time. “Purple Haze” remains one of the quintessential anthems of psychedelia and a signature song for Hendrix as an artist.
The Heartache of “Red Red Wine”
Neil Diamond first wrote and recorded “Red Red Wine” in 1967, inspired by a failing relationship. The lyrics describe drowning one’s sorrows over a lost love with red wine:
“Red, red wine, go to my head
Make me forget that I still need her so
Red, red wine, it’s up to you
‘Cause I just can’t bear to see what she’s done to me”
The melancholy lyrics reveal a man using alcohol to get over painful heartbreak. The red wine represents the deep anguish of lost love. Diamond sings about using the wine to forget his problems, if only temporarily.
The song became a major hit when reggae artist UB40 covered it in 1983. The reggae rhythm gave it a lighter, more upbeat feel, turning it into a popular party anthem. While the lyrics maintain the same lovelorn theme, UB40’s version comes across as more celebratory, with red wine being the libation of choice. Both versions capture the agony and ecstasy of falling in and out of love through the metaphor of red wine.
Conclusion
Colors in song titles are often chosen deliberately to convey deeper symbolism and meaning. From Carl Perkins’ blue suede shoes representing youth rebellion to Jimi Hendrix’s purple haze symbolizing psychedelic enlightenment, color titles are powerful lyrical devices. They add visual expression and depth to the musical experience. So the next time you hear a popular song with a color in the title, think about what that shade might represent in the song’s lyrical message. The colors reflect the feelings and themes that gave birth to some of the most memorable songs in music history.
