Brown was born in Mississippi and sang in church as a child. In 1919 her family moved to Chicago and she began studying piano; in the 1920s she began taking gigs in clubs and broadcasted on radio. From the 1930s to the 1950s she toured the United States regularly, recording for Decca Records (among other labels) along the way and recording many humorous, ironic titles such as "Your Feet's Too Big", "Mama Don't Want No Peas and Rice and Coconut Oil" and "The Stuff Is Here and it's Mellow". Her stride piano playing was often compared to Fats Waller.
In the 1940s Brown began to shy from singing bawdy blues songs because of deepening religious beliefs, and in 1953 she retired and became a nurse. She was rediscovered in the 1980s after being tracked down by Marian McPartland; she returned to record again and performed on National Public Radio. She died in 1995 in Denver, Colorado.
Some of Brown's earliest recordings have been reissued by Document Records.
Breakin' in a Pair of Shoes
Cleo Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm right in my cup,
I'm not myself tonight;
It's an awful curse when you have to nurse
A pair of sore pups,
Otherwise, everything's all right.
All dressed up, marcel and everything
, the singer of the song is trying to enjoy herself but her sore feet are holding her back. She is feeling the pain of breaking in a new pair of shoes - a common experience that many can relate to. Despite this discomfort, she is determined to maintain her composure and have a good time. This theme is echoed in the final line of the verse: "Otherwise, everything's all right."
The second verse of the song describes the physical strain of breaking in new shoes. The singer admits that she's "not myself tonight" and that her feet are an "awful curse." However, she is determined to persevere: "I won't stop until I'm breaking in a pair of shoes." This line suggests that the singer is willing to endure some pain for the sake of looking good and feeling confident.
Overall, "Breakin' in a Pair of Shoes" is a lighthearted song about a relatable experience. Despite its humorous tone, it speaks to the struggle of balancing fashion and comfort. While many people can relate to the discomfort of breaking in new shoes, this song offers a perspective of perseverance and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a look at me, tell me, can't you see,
Please observe me and do you not notice
I'm right in my cup,
I am currently intoxicated
I'm not myself tonight;
I am not feeling like my usual self this evening
It's an awful curse when you have to nurse
It is quite a challenging burden when you must tend to
A pair of sore pups,
Two painful feet
Otherwise, everything's all right.
Besides this issue, all is well
All dressed up, marcel and everything
I am fully attired, including manicured hair with Marcel waves
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE FRANKLIN, NED WASHINGTON, SAM H. STEPT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trombonology Erstwhile
I have yet to hear a version of this very cute number that I haven't loved! Cleo's wonderful treatment is the only version I can think of off the top of my head that includes the clever -- and so '30s -- lyrics . Her swinging vocal and piano are supported by Bobby Sherwood, guitar; Vic Berton, drums and Manny Stein, bass.