Black

Album: Solace (1991)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In "Black," Sarah McLachlan takes on corrupt politicians and world leaders, wondering if they feel guilt about the injustice they inflict on the innocent.

    The song was inspired by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, an ecological disaster in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
  • Some unusual instruments were employed on this track to create a sense of disorientation. Pierre Marchand, McLachlan's producer, played mandolin and accordion, and there's also a harmonica in the mix.
  • "Black" is part of Sarah McLachlan's second album, Solace, which did pretty well in her native Canada and got her some attention in America. She took a big step forward with her next album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (1993), and broke big with Surfacing in 1997, the same year she started Lilith Fair.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.