Black and Blue
Armstrong Louis All-Stars Lyrics
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I always thought I'd never fall
But now I'm sinking oh so deep
I've lost my will and I can't retreat
I've lost the time
Can't make sense, no reason why
I've crossed the line
My soul's worn thin
Drifting through the vortex wind
It's my design
I'm floating low, I'm floating high
Black and blue never felt so real
Black as night, blue to heal
As I'm rising from the bottom
I'll change my stars into surreal
I've lost the time
Can't make sense, no reason why
I've crossed the line
No return, no end in sight
My soul's worn thin
Drifting through the vortex wind
It's my design
I'm floating low, I'm floating high
She made me feel okay
Forced it in my brain
Took away the pain
Helped me find my place
I've lost the time
Can't make sense, no reason why
I've crossed the line
No return, no end in sight
My soul's worn thin
Drifting through the vortex wind
It's my design
I'm floating low, I'm floating high
Louis Armstrong's "Black and Blue" is a poignant and emotional song that speaks to the experience of the black community during the time of segregation and racial discrimination. The opening lyrics, "Old empty bed, springs hard as lead, feel like old Ned, wished I was dead" depict the feelings of hopelessness and despair that many black individuals were feeling at the time. The reference to the bed being as hard as lead highlights the harsh reality of life for many black people, who were often denied basic rights and amenities.
The second stanza, "Even the mouse ran from my house, they laugh at you and scorn you too, what did I do to be so black and blue?" draws attention to the pervasive nature of racism and discrimination. Even small, innocent creatures such as mice are afraid of being associated with blackness. The singer is also aware of the derision and mocking that they face on a daily basis, and the question "what did I do to be so black and blue" is a poignant and unanswered one that speaks to the futility of trying to justify or excuse one's own existence.
The final stanza, "How would it end? Ain't got a friend, my only sin is in my skin, what did I do to be so black and blue?" highlights the isolation and lack of support that many black people faced during the time of segregation, as well as the false notion that the color of one's skin is something to be ashamed of. The emphasis on the "sin" of the singer's skin is a tragic reminder of the deeply ingrained racism that existed during this time.
Line by Line Meaning
Old empty bed, springs hard as lead
The bed is empty and uncomfortable, making the singer feel hopeless and burdened.
Feel like old Ned, wished I was dead
The singer feels as though they have hit rock bottom and wishes they were not alive.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
The singer questions why they are constantly mistreated and discriminated against due to their race.
Even the mouse ran from my house
The artist feels isolated and alone, as even animals won't come near them.
They laugh at you and scorn you too
People mock and mistreat the artist, adding to their feelings of worthlessness.
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Despite the singer's personality, they are still judged based on their outward appearance.
'Cause I can't hide what is in my face
The singer cannot change the color of their skin, making them subject to discrimination.
How would it end? Ain't got a friend
Without any support system, the artist wonders what the future holds for them.
My only sin is in my skin
The artist has done nothing wrong, but is still seen as inferior due to their race.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Once again, the artist questions why they are subjected to such mistreatment and pain simply because of the color of their skin.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Phillip Seurattan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@muditachoudhary7980
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
Feel like old Ned, wished I was dead
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Even the mouse ran from my house
They laugh at you, and scorn you too
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
'Cause I can't hide what is in my face
How would it end? Ain't got a friend
My only sin is in my skin
What did I do to be so black and blue?
How would it end? Ain't got a friend
My only sin is in my skin
What did I do to be so black and blue?
@AustinCasey
For those of you here from Ellison's "Invisible Man" please check out the 1931 recording Ellison was referring to in the book: https://youtu.be/-vDm1lomVHU
@KingMobelsa
Lol wasn't expecting someone else to be brought here because of the invisible man.
@jaemalek5363
@@KingMobelsa Im here bc of the invisible man too lmao
@zinahoul4774
Hyy please iam working on the invisible man toi
@zinahoul4774
@@jaemalek5363 are you also working on this book ? Can we exchange ?
@s.garciamusik2125
What are the odds?
@justcause8609
They loved our music but hated our skin💔
@jamesmccusker2260
Cry a fuckin river
@BrownieeeHD
Louis Armstrong was a gift to humanity
@spacepimpkevin1184
Imo this is the best version he did of this song.
He knows what it feels like to be black and blue and he still sings it with wide eyes and a huge grin and it swells me with happiness for his fame and successes.