☝️ Key Points
- The meaning and versatility of the color black are the focus of the song.
- Black is portrayed as the foundation of the beauty and uniqueness of other colors and patterns.
- The versatility of black is emphasized by portraying it as contrast and in combination with other colors.
- Black is portrayed as ubiquitous and non-threatening.
- At the end of the song, black is presented as a symbol of growth and abundance.
Interpretation
In the song lyrics "Black Is" by
Lena Horne, the meaning and versatility of the color black are explored. The color black is described in various contexts and images to show how important and ubiquitous it is.
The lyrics begin with the lines "Black is sky so stars can shine, Tiger's stripes and butterflies". Here, the idea is conveyed that the black background allows the stars to shine and gives tigers and butterflies their characteristic patterns. Thus, black is presented as the foundation for the beauty and uniqueness of other colors and patterns.
It is further stated "Black is writing on a page, Berries sweet and clouds that rain". Here, the versatility of black is emphasized. It can be used as a contrast to highlight what is written on a page, and it can also be combined with other colors to represent sweet berries and rain-bearing clouds.
The lyrics also emphasize that black is everywhere and we should not fear the unknown: "We shouldn't fear the things we know, And black is everywhere we go". Black is omnipresent, it is all around us, and should not be seen as something threatening.
At the end of the song, black is portrayed as a symbol of growth and abundance: "Black is earth so green can grow, Wheels and roads that lead to home". The color black here symbolizes the fertile soil on which green can grow, and the paths that lead us home.
Overall, the song lyrics convey the message that black is not just a color, but has a meaning and diversity that are often overlooked. Black is present in everything and should be regarded as something beautiful and valuable: "Black is like a child in spring, Black is everything".