We all know it takes Hamilton, N.Y., a month or two longer than some other towns to boast spring colors, but when it gets warm enough, Colgate University is one of the prettiest campuses. This week’s 13 Beats features songs with colors in their titles to get you excited for the beauty that’s to come.
1. “Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan (2022)
This folk ballad is on the sadder side, but popular nonetheless. “Something in the orange tells me we’re not done,” croons Zach Bryan about the longing he feels for his lover when he sees the colors of the sun.
2. “Yellow” – Coldplay (2000)
“And it was all yellow,” sings Chris Martin about the stars shining and aligning for him and his lover. The track is a beautiful representation of his adoration and love for her.
3. “Silver Springs – 2004 Remaster” – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Stevie Nicks pours her heart out in this rock ballad. The lyrics, like “You’ll never get away from the sound of the woman who loves you,” emphasize Nicks’ desire to be the best her lover has ever had and make him wish he didn’t break her heart.
4. “Pink + White” – Frank Ocean (2016)
“Pink + White” is a boppy R&B track with deep lyrics. Frank Ocean sings about mortality while also urging listeners to savor moments with the people they love the most.
5. “Purple Rain” – Prince (1984)
“I only want to see you laughing in the purple rain,” sings Prince in this classic power ballad. Prince expresses wanting to begin a life with his lover and stay with her until the end of time.
6. “Red (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift (2021)
The title track of Taylor Swift’s fourth studio album and second re-recorded album, “Red,” describes a passionate love. “Forgetting him was like trying to know / Somebody you never met / But loving him was red,” sings Swift about how easy it was to feel the intensity with her lover.
7. “Beige” – Yoke Lore (2017)
The bright and warm guitar on this track elevates the seemingly boring color that this track’s title references. “You know you’re beautiful / But that ain’t half the gold treasure in your soul that you got,” croons Adrian Galvin about how mesmerized he is by his lover.
8. “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison (1967)
Van Morrison sings of the giddy feelings he has for his brown-eyed lover. The chorus repeats “sha-la-la” to evoke fun and carefree feelings in the listener and remind them of singing songs with their friends and lovers.
9. “Black Friday” – Tom Odell (2023)
“It’s Black Friday, we’re in a black taxi / You take my hand and hold it gently on the middle seat,” sings Tom Odell about savoring the moment with his lover. He uses dark color imagery to signify knowing that they might be at the end of their relationship.
10. “Green Light” – Lorde (2017)
“Green Light” is a pop staple with its addictive synth production and Lorde’s grounding vocals. “I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it,” repeats Lorde throughout the song about wanting to move on from a relationship.
11. “Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra (1977)
This classic track opens with happy drums and guitar, symbolizing the sun and blue sky coming out after a period of darkness. The lyrics, like “Hey there, Mr. Blue / We’re so pleased to be with you,” personify the sky and give the song a touch of whimsicality.
12. “Golden Hour” – Kacey Musgraves (2018)
“You’re my golden hour […] / You set my world on fire,” croons Kacey Musgraves in this soft pop country track about the comfort that her lover brings her. Musgraves uses the metaphor of golden hour to show how warm and sunny her lover makes her feel.
13. “Colors” – Halsey (2015)
What better way to end than with a song that sums up all of the titles touched on above? One of Halsey’s staple tracks, “Colors” describes the feelings — or colors — that she experiences when falling out of love with someone who is constantly changing.
