Blues in the Night
Katie Melua Lyrics


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My mamma done told me
When I was in pigtails
My mamma done told me, hon
A man is a two-face
He'll give you the big eye
And when the sweet talking's done
A man is a two-face
A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing
The blues in the night

Now the rains a-fallin'
Hear the trains a-callin', hooee
Hear that lonesome whistle
Blowin' across the trestle, hooee
Ah-hooee, clickety-clack
And echoing back
Blues in the night

From Natchez to Mobile
From Memphis to St. Joe
Wherever the four winds blow
I've been in some big towns
And heard me some big talk
But there is one thing I know
A man is a two-face
A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing
The blues in the night

My mamma done told me

My mamma done told me

My mamma done told me
When I was in pig tails
My mamma done told me, hon
A man is a two-face
He'll give you the big eye
And when the sweet talking's done
A man is a two-face
A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing
The blues in the night





My mamma done told me

Overall Meaning

Katie Melua's song "Blues in the Night" is a classic blues song that captures the essence of heartbreak and betrayal. The song begins with the singer recalling the words of her mother who warned her about men being untrustworthy. The phrase "man is a two-face" refers to a man who is unfaithful and will deceive his partner to get what he wants. The singer acknowledges that no matter how sweet-talking a man can be, they will always leave the woman alone to deal with the consequences of their actions. This is further emphasized throughout the song with the lines "A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing the blues in the night."


The song also uses powerful imagery and sounds to emphasize her feelings of sadness and loneliness. The sound of the rain falling and the trains calling is used to create a melancholic atmosphere. It creates a sense of isolation and desperation, which is further emphasized with the lines "Blowin' across the trestle, hooee Ah-hooee, clickety-clack, and echoing back blues in the night." The singer moves from town to town but finds that men are the same everywhere. They woo her with sweet talk, but in the end, they always leave heartbreak and pain.


Overall, the song explores the theme of love and loss, highlighting the harsh realities of relationships and the need for caution when dealing with love. The singer's emotional delivery and the song's lyrics make it a timeless hit that resonates with audiences even after several decades.


Line by Line Meaning

My mamma done told me
My mother has warned me


When I was in pigtails
When I was a young girl


My mamma done told me, hon
My mother said, dear


A man is a two-face
A man can be deceitful


He'll give you the big eye
He will give you flattery and attention


And when the sweet talking's done
After he has made you feel special


A man is a two-face
He can still be deceptive


A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing
He is a source of concern and will abandon you to deal with the consequences


The blues in the night
You will feel sad and alone, especially at night


Now the rains a-fallin'
Rain is currently pouring


Hear the trains a-callin', hooee
Hear the sound of trains calling with a melancholy tone


Hear that lonesome whistle
Listen to the sound of the lonely train whistle


Blowin' across the trestle, hooee
Echoing throughout the wooden bridge


Ah-hooee, clickety-clack
The sound of the train wheels on the track


And echoing back
Echoing through the empty streets


Blues in the night
The feeling of loneliness and sadness


From Natchez to Mobile
From one city to another


From Memphis to St. Joe
From one town to another


Wherever the four winds blow
Wherever the wind takes me


I've been in some big towns
I've visited some large cities


And heard me some big talk
And heard people boasting and bragging


But there is one thing I know
But one thing I am sure of


A man is a two-face
A man can be deceptive


A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing
He is a concern who will abandon you to deal with the consequences


The blues in the night
These consequences can leave you feeling lonely and sad, especially at night




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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