Black and Blue
Bob Barnard Lyrics


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Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
What did I do to be so black and blue?

No joys for me, no company
Even the mouse ran from my house
All my life through I've been so black and blue
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
What did I do to be so black and blue?

I'm hurt inside, but that don't help my case
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
My only sin is in my skin
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Tell me, what did I do?
What did I do? What did I do?
What did I do? What did I do?
What did I do? What did I do?




What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
What did I do to be so black and blue?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bob Barnard's song "Black and Blue" tell the story of a person who is experiencing deep emotional and physical pain. The opening line sets the tone with a vivid image of a cold, empty bed, and painful springs that feel like lead. The pain is not just physical, but emotional as well, with the singer referring to feelings of loneliness and despair. The question posed throughout the song, "what did I do to be so black and blue?" reflects a sense of confusion and bewilderment about why this person is experiencing so much distress, and what they might have done to deserve it.


As the song goes on, the singer explores the idea that his suffering may be linked to his race. The line "my only sin is in my skin" suggests that the person is experiencing prejudice or discrimination because of the color of their skin. The singer's internal conflict is reflected in his desire to hide what is on his face, while also feeling the need to express the pain he is feeling.


Overall, the lyrics of "Black and Blue" paint a poignant picture of a person struggling with both physical and emotional pain, and trying to make sense of their suffering. The song touches on themes of loneliness, discrimination, and the struggle to find meaning in life.


Line by Line Meaning

Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
My bed is empty and uncomfortable, feels like a heavy burden.


Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I have a lot of pain in my head, I feel old and worn out.


What did I do to be so black and blue?
I am wondering why I am so sad and bruised emotionally.


No joys for me, no company
I have no happiness or companionship in my life.


Even the mouse ran from my house
I don't even have a mouse to keep me company, everything is bleak.


All my life through I've been so black and blue
This feeling of sadness and despair has been with me my entire life.


I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Even though I am a good person on the inside, it doesn't change the way I am being treated.


Cause I can't hide what is on my face
My emotions are visible and cannot be suppressed.


I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I am incredibly sad and feel like life is just a painful obstacle.


My heart is torn. Why was I born?
I feel emotionally shattered and question my existence.


I'm hurt inside, but that don't help my case
My emotional pain is not taken seriously, and it feels like it doesn't matter.


How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I don't know how this will all turn out, I am feeling very alone.


My only sin is in my skin
The only reason I am being mistreated is because of the color of my skin.


What did I do to be so black and blue?
I am still searching for an answer for why I am feeling so sad and beaten down.


Tell me, what did I do?
I am pleading for an answer as to why I am feeling this way.


What did I do? What did I do?
I keep asking the question, hoping for a response.


What did I do? What did I do?
I am desperate for an answer to my internal struggles.


What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
I am still searching for a reason for my emotional pain and turmoil.


What did I do to be so black and blue?
I am still wondering why I am feeling so emotionally distressed.




Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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