The theme song for the acclaimed 1980s television series Tour of Duty, which depicted the Vietnam War, was the iconic "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones.
This powerful track, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, served as the opening music for all three seasons of the drama, instantly setting a grim and introspective tone that resonated with the show's subject matter. While Joseph Conlon was the show's dedicated composer, responsible for its original score and incidental music, it was "Paint It Black" that became synonymous with the series' opening credits.
Why "Paint It Black" Fit the Series
"Paint It Black," with its driving rhythm, haunting sitar melody, and evocative lyrics, perfectly encapsulated the dark and chaotic atmosphere of the Vietnam War. Its themes of despair, loss, and the desire to erase the world's color mirrored the psychological toll experienced by soldiers in combat. The song's selection contributed significantly to Tour of Duty's gritty realism and its lasting impression on viewers.
The Evolution of Tour of Duty
Tour of Duty was notable for being one of the few American television series during its original run to directly portray the Vietnam War from the perspective of soldiers on the ground. Over its three-season run, the show evolved its narrative to explore different facets of the conflict and soldier life:
- Early Seasons: Focused primarily on the combat experiences and daily struggles of an American platoon.
- Narrative Expansion: To broaden the show's appeal and introduce more varied storylines, CBS expressed a desire to include female characters. This led to a strategic plot development where the platoon was relocated to a camp situated near Saigon, allowing for more diverse interactions and civilian storylines.
- Final Season Shift: The series took a more intense direction in its final season, with the unit transitioning from conventional combat to conducting covert operations, adding another layer of danger and complexity to their missions.
Theme Song Overview
For a quick reference of the theme song details, see the table below:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Theme Song | "Paint It Black" |
| Artist | The Rolling Stones |
| Songwriters | Mick Jagger & Keith Richards |
| Show Composer | Joseph Conlon (composed the show's score, not the opening theme song itself) |
| Example | Classic TV Theme: Tour of Duty (two versions) |
