Black moonlight
Crosby Bing Lyrics
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Bruised by the city, bewildered, betrayed
With a heart heavy laden with faltering strides
I have come to the bridge, to the line that divides!
What am I doing up here in a daze
As I gaze at the cold river bed?
Why do I ask myself, Shall I go back
To black moonlight!
Where everything reflects your color
Darkness that is endless.
Nights that leave me friendless, blue!
Black moonlight!
You make the lights of Harlem duller
Just like me you're faded, jaded and degraded, too!
Why must you send,
Ebony moonbeams, depressing, distressing,
Like shadows of love that are gone?
Where will it end?
Will it spread on to the starlight, the sunlight
And darken each promise of dawn?
Black moonlight!
I've lost all power to resist you
Madly, I await you, even though I hate you
Black, black moonlight!
The lyrics to Crosby Bing's song "Black Moonlight" depict a sense of despair, confusion, and a feeling of being lost. The opening lines describe the singer as someone who has been overlooked and forgotten, drifting and straying aimlessly through life. The city has left them bruised and betrayed, carrying a heavy heart burdened with uncertain steps. They have reached a point where they stand on a bridge, metaphorically representing a decision or a turning point in their life.
The next stanza reflects their introspection and contemplation. They question their current state, wondering why they find themselves in a daze, looking down at the cold riverbed. They ponder whether to go back or continue forward, feeling as though they are caught in between.
In the chorus, the singer addresses the concept of "black moonlight." The black moonlight symbolizes a darkness that surrounds them, reflecting their color or emotional state. It represents endless darkness and nights filled with loneliness. They compare themselves to this black moonlight, faded, jaded, and degraded. The singer questions why they are being sent these dark moonbeams, which seem to depress and distress them, reminding them of lost love. They wonder if this darkness will spread to the starlight and sunlight, overshadowing any promise of a new day.
The song's tone suggests a sense of resignation and submission to this black moonlight, as the singer acknowledges their loss of power to resist it. Despite hating this darkness, they eagerly await its arrival, perhaps indicating a continued cycle of despair and self-destructive tendencies. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing for something different, a search for clarity and meaning within the darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
Lost in the shuffle, I've drifted an' strayed
I feel disorientated and disconnected, having lost my way in the chaos and distractions of life.
Bruised by the city, bewildered, betrayed
The city has left me emotionally wounded, confused, and feeling betrayed by the people and experiences within it.
With a heart heavy laden with faltering strides
My heart is burdened and weighed down by uncertain and stumbling steps forward.
I have come to the bridge, to the line that divides!
I have reached a critical point, a metaphorical bridge, where a choice must be made between different paths or worlds.
What am I doing up here in a daze
In a state of confusion and disorientation, I question my presence and purpose in this elevated position.
As I gaze at the cold river bed?
While looking at the lifeless and barren riverbed, I wonder about the emptiness and lack of vitality in my current situation.
Why do I ask myself, Shall I go back
I question the possibility of returning to a previous state or choice, considering if it would be the right decision.
When I seem to be going ahead?
Despite uncertainties, it feels like I am moving forward in some way, creating a conflict within me.
To black moonlight!
I am drawn towards the influence of dark and mysterious forces that cast a shadow over my existence.
Where everything reflects your color
In this realm of black moonlight, everything seems to embody or reflect the darkness and melancholy that surrounds me.
Darkness that is endless.
This darkness is unending, trapping me within its depths and obscuring any hope of escape or transformation.
Nights that leave me friendless, blue!
These nights devoid of companionship leave me feeling isolated, lonely, and sad.
Black moonlight!
Reiterating the allure and influence of this black moonlight, which captivates me despite my internal conflicts and reservations.
You make the lights of Harlem duller
This black moonlight fades the vibrancy and liveliness of Harlem, symbolizing the impact it has on joy and excitement.
Just like me you're faded, jaded and degraded, too!
Similar to myself, this black moonlight has lost its vitality, enthusiasm, and dignity, sharing in my feelings of being worn out and disheartened.
Why must you send, Ebony moonbeams, depressing, distressing,
I question why this black moonlight sends dark and despairing moonbeams that intensify my negative emotions and state of mind.
Like shadows of love that are gone?
These moonbeams resemble fleeting remnants of past love, reminding me of their absence and bringing further pain.
Where will it end?
I wonder about the eventual destination or outcome of this spiral into darkness, unsure if there is any redemption or release from it.
Will it spread on to the starlight, the sunlight
I question whether this darkness will expand and overshadow even the brightness and hope offered by stars and sunlight.
And darken each promise of dawn?
I fear that this darkness will taint and diminish the potential optimism and new beginnings symbolized by the promise of each dawn.
Black moonlight!
Emphasizing the significance and grip that this black moonlight holds over me, despite my conflicting emotions and aversion towards it.
I've lost all power to resist you
I admit to being powerless against this black moonlight, unable to defy its influence and allure.
Madly, I await you, even though I hate you
Despite harboring feelings of hatred towards this black moonlight, I anxiously anticipate its arrival, driven by an inexplicable fascination.
Black, black moonlight!
Stressing the darkness and potency of this black moonlight, highlighting its hold and impact on my existence.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: COSLOW, JOHNSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Corrie121
Thank you for sharing all these wonderful Bing Crosby renditions. they are greatly appreciated.
@TikTokpianist
wonderful!
@johnerdmann2700
SO COOL
@patthecatman
in one of the great anomalies, as far as i'm concerned, someone by the name of kitty kelly, no voice at all, did this song in "too much harmony:. bing's version would have been spectacular. maybe the director or whoever and kitty had something going on.
@hebneh
One of the uncommon popular songs about death; the singer is about to kill himself.