7 songs with the color red in the title that are amazing listens

As a music enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant hues of melodies and lyrics, I must say that this list of songs with the color red in their titles is nothing short of captivating. The way each artist has used this bold, powerful color to evoke such diverse emotions – from the dystopian futurism of “Red Barchetta” to the haunting beauty of “Red Rain” – is truly mesmerizing.


Red, a common symbol for love, passion, or even anger, has roots tracing back to natural pigments like clay ochre. This versatile pigment, abundant in nature, was utilized by artists as early as the Paleolithic era in Spain. Similarly, red was incorporated into ancient Chinese pottery and Egyptian wall paintings. Moreover, women have historically applied red cosmetics, serving as a prelude to romantic encounters, on their lips and cheeks.

In much the same way that it has sparked creativity among artists from ancient times up until now, the hue red similarly ignites inspiration among musicians. Here are seven tunes that incorporate the color red in their titles:

1981 marked the release of “Red Barchetta” by the band Rush. This song takes its name from a sports vehicle, while its lyrics paint a picture of a dystopian, 1984-esque world where the government prohibits gasoline-powered cars.

Songs with the color red in the title that are simply fantastic

1982 saw the release of “Red Skies” by The Fixx, a song whose lyrics evoke the imagery of a post-nuclear disaster scenario, as penned by singer Cy Curnin.

“If only I had heeded the warnings
Just people expressing their grief
Fleeing, concealing themselves, disoriented
Unable to locate, unable to escape, thus it’s
Sunset with a red glow …”

During the Cold War years, it’s not hard to envision a situation where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev were both working diligently to increase their respective nations’ stockpiles of nuclear weapons.

Speaking more casually, “Little Red Corvette” by Prince came out in 1983. In this catchy tune with lots of synthesizers, Prince uses the car in the title as a symbol for casual sex. Some people found it controversial because it was released during the early years of the AIDS crisis. However, it helped introduce Prince as a post-disco music legend.

Moving on to more substantial topics, the song “Red Rain” by Peter Gabriel was debuted in 1986. The lyrics depict a dream the singer had where he was swimming in a pool while sipping red wine, and some listeners interpreted the red rain as acid rain, symbolizing the despair humans felt during a time of environmental crisis on Earth. Stewart Copeland from The Police provided the song’s rhythmic backing track that resembles rainfall.

In 1987, U2’s song titled “Red Hill Mining Town” was made available. This composition by Bono alludes to a miner’s strike that occurred in 1984. The National Union of Mineworkers protested against the British National Coal Board’s plan to shut down several mines across the UK, which resulted in confrontations between workers and law enforcement or government officials.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share that “Red Right Hand,” a haunting masterpiece by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, was unveiled in 1994. The enigmatic title draws inspiration from John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” where divine retribution is meted out by God to supernatural beings. The lyrics paint a chilling picture of an elusive spectral figure who haunts a land reminiscent of my hometown in Australia – a fitting choice, given the song’s appearance in an episode of “The X-Files” and its placement on the soundtrack for “Scream.”

In the year 2002, the song “The Red” from Chevelle was made available. The lyrics penned by lead singer Pete Loeffler may symbolize a teenager feeling discontentment and rage, having been isolated due to being perceived as distinct among their peers.

“They say, ‘Freak’
When you’re singled out
The red
Well, it filters through.”

In the music video for their alternative metal track, Loeffler is depicted participating in a workshop aimed at controlling anger. Later, the band plays the song’s powerful, rhythmic chorus (“Feeling red once more”) within the same space, illuminated by pulsating red spotlights.

The Red Clay Strays, a bluesy band blending Americana and rockabilly, originated in Mobile, Alabama, back in 2016. Gaining popularity through their rigorous touring, social media videos on platforms like Instagram, and the powerful, sensual vocals of lead singer Brandon Coleman, they recently released their second album titled “Made By These Moments” in late July. In less than five hours, all three of their shows at the iconic Nashville venue, the Ryman Auditorium, were sold out.

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2024-08-11 16:00