‘Paint It Black’ The Rolling Stones

Practise your English with this classic song from the Rolling Stones – with answers. Profesor Nativo – ¡Tu Inglés Online!

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The Rolling Stones released the single ‘Paint it Black’ in the year 1966 (one of the most important years in modern music) and was number one in both the UK and USA. The lyrics were inspired by James Joyce’s ‘Ulysees’ – The fourth line of the song was taken directly from the novel.

Before listening, look at the missing words below and try to guess where they should go. Think of the most logical options; ‘Line of…….?’ ‘People turn their…..?’. These are the words:

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I see a red (1)_______ and I want it painted black
No (2)_______ 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 (3)______ goes

I see a line of (4)______ and they’re all painted black
With flowers and my love both never to come back
I see people turn their (5)______ and quickly look away
Like a new born baby it just happens every day

I look inside (6)______ 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 (7)______
It’s not easy facin’ up when your whole (8)______ is black

No more will my green (9)_____ go turn a deeper blue
I could not foresee this thing happening to you

If I look hard enough into the setting (10)_____
My love will laugh with me before the morning comes

(REPEAT) I see a red (1)_______ and I want it painted black
No (2)_______ 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 (3)______ goes

Hmm, hmm, hmm,…

I wanna see it painted, painted black
Black as night, black as (11)_____
I wanna see the sun blotted out from the (12)_____
I wanna see it tainted, tainted, tainted, tainted black
Yeah!

Now listen to the song. When you finish, check your answers…

Answers!

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