About the song
The year was 1966, a time of cultural upheaval and musical experimentation. The British Invasion had taken the world by storm, but there was another, perhaps less expected, wave of talent emerging from the continent: Spanish rock. One band, in particular, would make a significant impact on the global music scene: Los Bravos. Their debut single, “Black Is Black,” was a tour de force that catapulted them to international stardom.
What makes “Black Is Black” so enduring is its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. While the lyrics may be in Spanish, the song’s infectious melody and rhythm are universal. The opening guitar riff, a simple yet memorable hook, immediately grabs the listener’s attention. It’s a riff that could have been born in any garage, a testament to the song’s timeless appeal.
The song’s subject matter, a tale of unrequited love and longing, is as classic as the music itself. The protagonist, a man consumed by his feelings, pleads with his beloved to change her mind. The refrain, “Black is black, and white is white, and that’s the way it is,” suggests a fatalistic acceptance of his fate. However, the song’s upbeat tempo and energetic performance create a sense of hope, as if the protagonist is clinging to the possibility of a brighter future.
“Black Is Black” is a testament to the power of music to unite people from different backgrounds. It’s a song that has been covered countless times by artists from around the world, a testament to its enduring popularity. Los Bravos may have been a Spanish band, but their music had a global reach. “Black Is Black” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
Black is black
I want my baby back
It’s grey, it’s grey
Since she went away, oh oh
What can I do
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue
If I had my way, she’d be back today
But she don’t need in time
To see me again, oh, oh
What can I do
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue
I can’t choose, it’s too much to lose
My love’s still strong
Oh, maybe if she
Would come back to me
Well, it can’t go wrong
Bad is bad
I bet I feel so sad
It’s time, it’s time
I bet I found peace of mind, oh oh
What can I do
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue
I can’t choose, it’s too much to lose
My love’s still strong
Oh, maybe if she
Would come back to me
Well, it can’t go wrong
Black is black
I want my baby back
It’s grey, it’s grey
Since she went away, oh oh
What can I do
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue
‘Cause I-I-I-I-I
I’m feelin’ blue