Learnin' The Blues
Frank Sinatra and Basie Lyrics
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You play the same love song - it's the tenth time you've heard it
That's the beginning - just one of the clues
You've had your first lesson - in learnin' the blues
The cigarettes you light - one after another
Won't help you forget her - and the way that you love her
You're only burnin' - a torch you can't lose
But you're on the right track - for learnin' the blues
When you're at home alone, the blues will taunt you constantly
When you're out in a crowd, the blues will haunt your memory
The nights when you don't sleep - the whole night you're cryin'
But you can't forget her - soon you even stop tryin'
You'll walk that floor - and wear out your shoes
When you feel your heart break - you're learnin' the blues
When you're at home alone, the blues will taunt you constantly
When you're out in a crowd, those blues will haunt your memory
The nights when you don't sleep - that whole night you're cryin'
But you can't forget her - soon you even stop tryin'
You'll walk the floor - and you'll wear out your shoes
When you feel your heart break - you're learnin' those blues
Frank Sinatra's song "Learnin' the Blues" tells the story of someone who is heartbroken and struggling to move on from a past love. The song begins with a description of an empty room and a repetitive love song playing on the radio. This sets the tone for the song, which is melancholy and reflective. The lyrics suggest that the person singing is experiencing the pain of heartbreak for the first time, and is only just starting to learn about the emotions associated with it.
As the song continues, the lyrics describe the ways that heartbreak can dominate a person's life. The person lights cigarette after cigarette, trying to forget about the one they love, but it's no use. Even when they're out with friends, the memories of their past relationship haunt them. Nights alone are filled with tears and regrets, and at times it seems that the pain will never go away. However, the lyrics suggest that this is all part of the process of "learning the blues". By the end of the song, the person has come to accept that heartbreak is a part of life, and that while it may be painful, it's also an opportunity to grow and learn.
Overall, "Learnin' the Blues" is a poignant reflection on the pain of heartbreak and the process of healing. The song's lyrics are deeply emotional and relatable, and Frank Sinatra's powerful vocals bring them to life in a striking way.
Line by Line Meaning
The tables are empty - the dance floor's deserted
The atmosphere is dull, and there is no excitement or joy around.
You play the same love song - it's the tenth time you've heard it
The repetitiveness and familiarity of the song signify the constant presence of our loss in our mind.
That's the beginning - just one of the clues
The start of this journey of heartache is the first clue that we are about to be consumed by the blues.
You've had your first lesson - in learnin' the blues
Heartbreak teaches us something essential. We learn to feel the blues and come to terms with the melancholy that it brings.
The cigarettes you light - one after another
Smoking serves as a temporary distraction from the pain of loss, but it is not a lasting remedy.
Won't help you forget her - and the way that you love her
Smoking will not aid in easing the pain of the loss of a loved one.
You're only burnin' - a torch you can't lose
Despite the pain, the memory of the person we lost lives on in our hearts, forever igniting a flame that cannot be lost.
But you're on the right track - for learnin' the blues
Heartache is a challenging process but it is a part of life. We learn to understand, accept and embrace the sadness; we are on the right path to learning the blues.
When you're at home alone, the blues will taunt you constantly
Heartbreak consumes our innermost thoughts, catches us unguarded, and haunts us day and night.
When you're out in the crowd, the blues will haunt your memory
Everywhere we go, everything we do will remind us of our loved one, continuing to carry forward the heartache and emptiness we feel.
The nights when you don't sleep - the whole night you're cryin'
Heartbreak can manifest in physical and emotional pain, causing sleepless nights, and tears of overwhelming sorrow.
But you can't forget her - soon you even stop tryin'
Despite our longing to forget, our hearts hold steadfast to the memories of our loved ones, anchoring us to the past.
You'll walk that floor - and wear out your shoes
The overwhelming feeling of loss can leave us unable to stand or even sit, leaving us to pace worriedly and wear out our shoes in the process.
When you feel your heart break - you're learnin' the blues
Heartbreak is a difficult journey, but it is a part of life. We learn to understand and accept our grief, and in doing so, we learn to embrace and live with the blues.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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