Mood Indigo
Ivie Anderson & Duke Ellington Lyrics

The lyrics to "Mood Indigo" by Ivie Anderson with Duke Ellington are a melancholic depiction of heartbreak and depression. The singer expresses that the listener has never truly felt blue until they have experienced the feeling of "mood indigo." She describes how this feeling creeps down to her shoes, making her sit and sigh with a heavy heart. The second verse explains the reason for her sadness, which is the departure of her lover. She spends her evenings all alone and cries herself to sleep. She feels no one cares for her and considers herself to be a poor fool who is bluer than blue can be. The final line reveals the severity of her sadness as she contemplates dying when she experiences this feeling of mood indigo.

The song captures the essence of the blues genre, which is known for its themes of sadness and melancholy. The lyrics express deep emotions, highlighting the feeling of loneliness, heartbreak, and depression. The song is a reflection of the universal feeling of sadness and is relatable to many people who have experienced heartbreak or loneliness. The line "you ain't never been blue" is a figurative statement, meaning that the listener cannot understand the feeling unless they have lived through it themselves.