Brubeck's style ranged from refined to bombastic, reflecting his mother's attempts at classical training and his improvisational skills. Much of his music employed unusual time signatures, a fact jokingly referred to by his greatest hits album 'Time Signatures: A Career Retrospective'. Upon his death, a number of commentators noted his crossover appeal to mainstream pop audiences, something putting him in the company of other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Herbie Hancock among others.
Black And Blue
Dave Brubeck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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?
In the song "Black and Blue" by Dave Brubeck, the lyrics convey a deep sense of despair, isolation, and racial inequality. The singer describes their experiences of being mistreated and marginalized simply because of the color of their skin. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lonely and painful existence.
The opening lines depict a physical discomfort that mirrors the emotional turmoil the singer is experiencing. The cold, empty bed symbolizes the absence of warmth and companionship in their life. The reference to "old Ned" could be a slang expression for feeling tired and exhausted. The question, "What did I do to be so black and blue?" expresses a genuine confusion and frustration at the harsh treatment they receive solely based on their race.
The second verse continues to highlight their isolation and the lack of joy and companionship. The image of a mouse running from their house emphasizes their loneliness. The repetition of being "black and blue" signifies the ongoing suffering they endure throughout their life.
In the third verse, the singer acknowledges that internally they are no different from anyone else, as they are "white inside." However, this realization does not protect them from the discrimination they face, as their outward appearance is what determines the way they are treated. The various metaphors like "life's just a thorn" and "my heart is torn" reflect their deep emotional pain and disillusionment. The question of why they were born suggests feelings of hopelessness and a yearning to understand why they have been subjected to such prejudice.
The final verse reinforces the idea that their inner turmoil goes unnoticed, as they cannot hide the color of their skin. The lack of a friend and the perception of their skin as a sin add to their feelings of alienation and dehumanization. The repeated question, "What did I do to be so black and blue?" serves as a plea for understanding and an expression of the singer's anguish over the injustice they endure.
Overall, "Black and Blue" by Dave Brubeck poignantly addresses the pain of racial discrimination, the feelings of isolation, and the struggle for self-acceptance in a society marked by prejudice.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
My room is bleak and desolate, and the mattress is uncomfortable
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I'm experiencing headaches and feeling exhausted
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Why am I treated unfairly and discriminated against?
No joys for me, no company
I have no happiness or companionship
Even the mouse ran from my house
I am even avoided by small creatures, emphasizing my isolation
All my life through I've been so black and blue
Throughout my entire life, I have faced constant prejudice and hardship
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Internally, I may be pure or innocent, but it doesn't change how I'm perceived
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
The visible color of my skin immediately exposes my identity
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I feel deeply lonely and life itself feels like a constant source of pain
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
I am emotionally devastated and question the purpose of my existence
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I still can't comprehend why I am treated with such discrimination
I'm hurt inside, but that don't help my case
Despite my internal pain, it doesn't change the way I'm perceived by others
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
My appearance is an immediate indicator of how I am judged
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I wonder how this unfairness will ever come to a resolution, as I lack companionship
My only sin is in my skin
The only wrong I have committed is having a different skin color
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Once again, I cannot fathom why I am subjected to such prejudice
Tell me, what did I do?
I desperately seek an explanation for the discrimination I face
What did I do? What did I do?
Reiterating my plea for understanding and a justification
What did I do? What did I do?
Continuing to question the reasons behind the mistreatment I endure
What did I do? What did I do?
Persistently seeking an answer to understand the cause of my suffering
Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
I implore for someone to explain why I am subjected to such prejudice
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Once again, I reflect upon why I am treated with discrimination
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, O/B/O DistroKid, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind