Black and Blue
Little Willie Jackson 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 Little Willie Jackson's song "Black and Blue" depict the pain and loneliness of a black person in a racist society. The singer describes the physical and emotional suffering they experience, from a hard bed to pains in their head. They question why they deserve to be in this state and what they did to be "black and blue." The repetition of this central question emphasizes the victim-blaming mentality that is often prevalent in a society that privileges one race over another.
The second stanza reveals the singer's isolation, as they have no joys or company. Even a mouse ran from their house, highlighting the extent of their loneliness. The line, "I'm white inside, but that don't help my case," is a reference to the idea that some people hold that if one tries hard enough, they can overcome racist prejudices. However, the singer argues that their skin color is all people see, making it impossible to hide how they are treated. They contemplate their purpose in life and why they were born, highlighting a sense of hopelessness and despair.
Overall, "Black and Blue" is a poignant account of the impact of systemic racism on individuals. It emphasizes the struggle of being constantly "othered" in a society that privileges whiteness.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
I am alone in my bed and it is uncomfortable
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I have a headache and feel terrible
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Why am I being treated so poorly because of my race?
No joys for me, no company
I am lonely and have no happiness in my life
Even the mouse ran from my house
I am so alone that not even a mouse will stay with me
All my life through I've been so black and blue
My entire life has been filled with discrimination and mistreatment because of my skin color
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Despite my inner self not reflecting my skin color, it does not change how I am treated
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
I cannot change the color of my skin and the discrimination I face because of it
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I am incredibly sad and my life is full of difficulties
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
I feel brokenhearted and question why I was brought into this world when I am treated so poorly
I'm hurt inside, but that don't help my case
Even though I am suffering, it does not change how others view and treat me because of my skin color
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I have no idea how this will all turn out and I have no one to rely on for support
My only sin is in my skin
The only thing I have done wrong is being born with this skin color that others discriminate against
What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
I am desperately trying to understand why I am being treated so cruelly because of my skin color
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I cannot understand why I am being treated so terribly because of something I cannot change about myself
Lyrics © DistroKid, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller
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