Black and Blue
Albert Nichols Lyrics

The song "Black and Blue" by Albert Nichols is a poignant and insightful exploration of the black experience in a largely racist society. The song is delivered in a slow and melancholic blues style, with evocative lyrics that capture the pain and frustration of being black in a society that devalues and discriminates against people of color.

The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the piece, describing a lonely and difficult existence. The singer describes himself as feeling like "old Ned" - a phrase that suggests a sense of weariness and resignation. He wonders why he has been treated so poorly, and why he is "so black and blue." The second verse expands on this theme, describing the singer's isolation and lack of companionship. He is so alone that even a mouse runs from his house. The repetition of the phrase "all my life through" suggests a sense of inevitability and hopelessness.

The chorus of the song offers a powerful commentary on the internal and external experiences of racism. The singer is "white inside" - that is, he has the same internal experiences and emotions as any other human being. However, his skin color sets him apart and exposes him to discrimination and prejudice. He is forlorn and his heart is torn as he wonders why he was born with a skin color that causes him so much pain and difficulty. The final verse of the song is perhaps the most heartbreaking, with the singer wondering how his life will end without a friend to turn to. He feels that his "only sin is in [his] skin," once again highlighting the idea that racial discrimination is a sin not of the victims but of the perpetrators.

Overall, "Black and Blue" is a powerful song that offers a penetrating look at the black experience in America. It remains relevant today, as people of color continue to face discrimination and violence in a society that refuses to see them as equals.