The Rolling Stones is a legendary English rock band formed in London in 1962. Popular for its gritty, blues-affects sound and rebellious image.

The original lineup included Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Brian Jones (multi-instrumentalist), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums).

From the start, their energetic style and bold persona made them stand out. They helped define the British Invasion of the 1960s and shaped rock and roll.

About the Song

Blinded by Rainbows is a tender song by The Rolling Stones. This song delivers a powerful anti-war message centered on the conflict in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles.

Its lyrics clearly depict the horrors and human suffering caused by violence and terrorism, questioning the pain suffered by innocent victims and the futility of religious and political strife.

Blinded by Rainbows Lyrics by The Rolling Stones

Verse 1

Did you ever feel the pain that he felt upon the cross?
Did you ever feel the knife tearing flesh that’s oh so soft?
Did you ever touch the night, did you ever count the cost?
Do you hide away the fear, put down paradise as lost?

Chorus 1

Yeah, you’re blinded by rainbows
Watching the wind blow
Blinded by rainbows
Do you dream at night, do you sleep at night?
I doubt it

Verse 2

Did you ever feel the blast as the Semtex bomb goes off?
Do you ever hear the screams as the limbs are all torn off?
Did you ever kiss the child who just saw his father shot?
Do you ever shed a tear as the war drags on and on?
Did you ever touch the night, or is it just another job?
Do you fear the final hours, put down paradise as lost?

Chorus 2

Yeah, you’re blinded by rainbows
And faces in windows
Blinded by rainbows
Do you dream at night, do you sleep at night?
I doubt it, yeah

Verse 3

Do you ever fear the night, could it be the war is lost?
Do you fear the final hour, do you kneel before the cross?

Chorus 3

You’re blinded by rainbows
And watching the wind blow
Blinded by rainbows

Outro

Do you dream at night, do you scream at night?
Do you smell the fear, is your conscience clear?
Are you caked in sweat, are your clothes all wet?
Do you see the light, is the end in sight?
See the face of Christ, enter paradise?
I doubt it

Similar Songs Like Blinded by Rainbows

Here are some songs by The Rolling Stones similar to Blinded by Rainbows, especially in their anti-war themes and thoughtful tone:

• Gimme Shelter: A powerful anthem about violence and fear, often regarded as one of the greatest anti-war songs ever recorded.
• Street Fighting Man: A raga rock song advocated by anti-war protests, expressing anger and frustration over social unrest.
• Doom and Gloom: This recent track with dark, intense energy, showing turmoil and chaos.
• Fingerprint File: Features a tense atmosphere that complements themes of paranoia and unrest.

Similar Artists Like The Rolling Stones

Here are some artists similar to The Rolling Stones, known for their iconic rock sounds, rebellious spirit, and impactful music:

• The Who
  Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Mod
  Notable Albums: Who’s Next (1971), Tommy (1969)
• Led Zeppelin
  Genre: Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Metal
  Notable Albums: Led Zeppelin IV (1971), Physical Graffiti (1975)
• The Kinks
  Genre: Rock, Pop Rock, British Invasion
  Notable Albums: The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968), Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One (1970)
• The Faces
  Genre: Rock, Blues Rock, Glam Rock
  Notable Albums: A Nod Is As Good As a Wink… to a Blind Horse (1971), Ooh La La (1973)
• The Doors
  Genre: Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock
  Notable Albums: The Doors (1967), L.A. Woman (1971)

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Blinded by Rainbows Always an Anti-War Song?

No, it was originally written as a love song before being reworked into a protest song about conflict.

Where Was the Song Recorded?

Recording took place in Dublin, Ireland, in 1993

Why Does the Song Mention Political and Religious Themes?

Because the Northern Ireland conflict had both political and religious dimensions, the song addresses both aspects.