... Throughout the 1950s, Laine enjoyed a second career singing the title songs of Hollywood films and television shows, including: Gunfight At OK Corral, 3:10 To Yuma, Bullwhip, and Rawhide. His rendition of the title song for Mel Brooks' 1974 movie Blazing Saddles won an Oscar nomination for Best Song, and his recording of "Rawhide" for the television series of the same name has become a classic of the genre.
What Did I Do To Be So Black And Blue?
Frankie Laine Lyrics
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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?
The lyrics to Frankie Lane's song "Black and Blue" express the pain and sadness experienced by a person who has been consistently mistreated and discriminated against because of their skin color. The opening lines describe the physical discomfort of sleeping on a hard bed and the emotional pain caused by constant headaches, leading the singer to question why they are facing such hardship.
The following lyrics portray a sense of isolation and loneliness, with no joy or company to be found. Even a mouse runs away from the singer's house, emphasizing the singer's sense of being an outcast. The repeated phrase "What did I do to be so black and blue" drives home the injustice of the singer's situation, hinting at the idea that they have done nothing to deserve this treatment.
While the singer acknowledges that they are "white inside," it is clear that their skin color is what leads to them being mistreated. The repeated line "Cause I can't hide what is on my face" underscores the fact that the singer is constantly judged and discriminated against based on their appearance. The final lyrics express a deeply rooted sense of hopelessness, with no friends to turn to and a sense that their skin color is their "only sin." Overall, "Black and Blue" is a moving portrayal of the pain and injustice faced by people of color.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
My bed is empty, the springs feel like hard metal
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I have a headache that feels like old age
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Why do I feel so beaten down and discouraged?
No joys for me, no company
I have no happiness or companionship in my life
Even the mouse ran from my house
Even the smallest creature avoids me
All my life through I've been so black and blue
I have been struggling and feeling beaten down my entire life
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
I am pure on the inside, but that doesn't change how I am treated
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
My emotions and struggles are evident on my face
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I am filled with sadness and depression. Life feels like a painful thorn
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
My emotions are in turmoil. I question why I was even born
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I don't know how this will all end. I have no friends to help me through this
My only sin is in my skin
The only thing that seems wrong with me is my skin color
What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
What did I do to deserve all of this pain and struggle?
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I am still questioning why I am facing so much pain and struggle
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY BROOKS, ANDY RAZAF, FATS WALLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dancelli714
Frankie Laine fooled The Harlem Hit Parade, and here is one excellent example. P. S. Drummer Al singer's vibe solo is a Classic in my opinion. . . . When I was a little boy in the 40's, I'd play this selection more often than Frankie's other 78's from his album.
@Miss_Flapper
Whatever song you can think of, 70Prof gots it
@makimakipapura7543
Do you prefer CD's over 78rpm albums and LP's
@robertpincus6528
It depends on how well the CD was mastered. This CD (I own it too.) was mastered with the bass and dynamics in tact. Sometimes CD transfers of 78s are anemic. In other words, you have to listen and decide. Listen to how dynamic the vibes and Frankie's voice sounds. Many modern recordings don't sound this good.