Although his recording career was cut short by an early death, Carr left behind a large body of work. He had a long-time partnership with guitarist Scrapper Blackwell. His light bluesy piano combined with Blackwell's melodic jazz guitar to attract a sophisticated black audience. Carr's vocal style moved blues singing toward an urban sophistication, influencing such singers as T-Bone Walker, Charles Brown, Amos Milburn, Jimmy Witherspoon, Ray Charles among others.
Count Basie and Jimmy Rushing used some of Carr's songs and Basie's band shows the influence of Carr's piano style.
His music has been covered by notable artists such as Robert Johnson, Ray Charles, Big Bill Broonzy, Moon Mullican, Champion Jack Dupree, Lonnie Donegan and Memphis Slim.
Carr died of nephritis shortly after his thirtieth birthday.
Christmas in Jail
Leroy Carr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The blues come fallin', they fall like drops of rain
I got to spend my Christmas locked up in jail again
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain't that a pain
Oh baby, baby, baby ain't that a pain
Oh Santa, Santa, Santa come here to me in jail
Bring me a Christmas present, someone to go my bail
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain't that a pain
Oh baby, baby, baby ain't that a pain
This food here Santa, it ain't fit to eat
This food here Santa, it ain't fit to eat
Won't you come and bring me a plate of turkey meat
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain't that a pain
Oh baby, baby, baby ain't that a pain
The jail house blues have got me, they got the best of me
The jail house blues have got me, they got the best of me
My baby doesn't love me, I got no Christmas tree
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain't that a pain
Oh baby, baby, baby ain't that a pain
The song “Christmas in Jail - Ain’t It a Pain” by Leroy Carr is a melancholic blues tune that tells the story of spending Christmas locked up in jail. The first verse emphasizes how the singer is forced to face the blues, which fall like drops of rain, on this festive day. The second verse is a direct reflection of the sadness and disappointment the character feels at having to spend Christmas locked up again. He questions Santa's decision to withhold Christmas presents since he is in jail, and there is no one to pay his bail. The third verse is about the poor quality of food in jail, and the longing for a special Christmas meal, particularly turkey meat. The fourth and final verse reveals how the jailhouse blues have taken over him, and he's left alone without the love of his life or a Christmas tree to comfort him.
Overall, the song speaks to the sadness and isolation many people feel during the holiday season. It emphasizes the importance of being with loved ones and the pain of being deprived of this comfort. It also highlights the ways in which material possessions, including food and presents, can bring joy and hope during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
The blues come fallin', they fall like drops of rain
I am feeling very sad and depressed because I have to spend Christmas in jail again, and it feels like the sadness keeps pouring down on me like raindrops.
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain't that a pain
It is extremely unpleasant and painful to be behind bars on Christmas Day for the umpteenth time.
Oh baby, baby, baby ain't that a pain
It's really disheartening and depressing to realize that I'm stuck in prison on Christmas Day once again.
Oh Santa, Santa, Santa come here to me in jail
I am hoping and praying for Santa Claus to visit me in my cell and grant me a wish, even though I know it's unlikely to happen.
Bring me a Christmas present, someone to go my bail
If only someone could pay my bail and get me out of here, that would be the best Christmas present ever.
This food here Santa, it ain't fit to eat
The food they serve in jail is so bad and unappetizing, I wish Santa Claus could bring me something better to eat, like a plate of turkey meat.
Won't you come and bring me a plate of turkey meat
I am pleading with Santa Claus to bring me a delicious meal of turkey meat, which would make my Christmas Day a lot more bearable in this dreary place.
The jail house blues have got me, they got the best of me
The feeling of sadness and loneliness that comes from being locked up on Christmas Day is overwhelming and is taking a toll on me.
My baby doesn't love me, I got no Christmas tree
I feel so abandoned and unloved because my partner isn't with me, and I can't even enjoy the festive atmosphere because I don't have a Christmas tree with me here in jail.
Contributed by Kaelyn G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ajmartin5115
Wonderful…I am going to find the album.
@markritchie9590
Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell - Christmas in Jail
The blues come fallin’, they fall like drops of rain
The blues come fallin’, they fall like drops of rain
I got to spend my Christmas locked up in jail again
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain’t that a pain
Oh baby, baby, baby ain’t that a pain
Oh Santa, Santa, Santa come here to me in jail
Oh Santa, Santa, Santa come here to me in jail
Bring me a Christmas present, someone to go my bail
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain’t that a pain
Oh baby, baby, baby ain’t that a pain
This food here Santa, it ain’t fit to eat
This food here Santa, it ain’t fit to eat
Won’t you come and bring me a plate of turkey meat
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain’t that a pain
Oh baby, baby, baby ain’t that a pain
The jail house blues have got me, they got the best of me
The jail house blues have got me, they got the best of me
My baby doesn’t love me, I got no Christmas tree
In jail on Christmas Day again, ain’t that a pain
Oh baby, baby, baby ain’t that a pain
@thebrazilianatlantis165
Song written by Floyd Thompson and John Guernsey.