Black and Blue
Louis Armstrong & The All-Stars 1958 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 song "Black and Blue" by Louis Armstrong & The All-Stars is a powerful blues number that delves deep into the emotions and experiences of a Black person living in a society where they are constantly oppressed and discriminated against. The opening lines of the song set the mood as the lyrics describe a cold empty bed, springs hard as lead, and pains in the head, which reflect the physical and emotional toll of systemic racism. The main theme of the song is the discrimination that Black people face due to the color of their skin, as evidenced by the lyrics: "What did I do to be so black and blue?"
The song continues to reveal the isolation and loneliness that often come with being black in a white-dominated society: "No joys for me, no company, even the mouse ran from my house." The line "I'm white inside, but that don't help my case" suggests that the singer is Black on the outside but feels no different on the inside. However, their skin color is enough to make them the target of bigotry and hatred throughout their life. The lyrics "My heart is torn. Why was I born?" show the deep emotional pain that comes with being marginalized solely for the color of one's skin.
Louis Armstrong's delivery of the song is passionate, poignant, and full of raw emotion, making it a timeless classic. The song speaks not only to the experience of Black people in the 1950s when it was written but also to the ongoing struggles of people of color today.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
My bed is cold and empty, and the springs are uncomfortable
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I have headaches and feel exhausted
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I don't understand why I am constantly mistreated and unhappy
No joys for me, no company
I have no pleasures or companionship in my life
Even the mouse ran from my house
Even a small creature like a mouse wants nothing to do with me
All my life through I've been so black and blue
I have been mistreated my whole life and constantly feel down
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Although I may have a good heart, it doesn't change the way others treat me because of my skin color
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
My emotions are clearly visible on my face and cannot be concealed
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I am extremely sad and life seems to be a constant struggle
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
I feel emotionally damaged and question the reasons for my existence
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I am unsure of my future and have no one to turn to for support
My only sin is in my skin
The only thing 'wrong' with me is the color of my skin
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I am still confused and hurt about why I am treated so poorly because of my race
Tell me, what did I do?
I am asking for an explanation as to why I am treated so badly
What did I do? What did I do?
I am pleading for answers to my continuous mistreatment
What did I do? What did I do?
I am desperate for understanding and to learn how to improve my situation
What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
I am begging for someone to explain why I am constantly treated unfairly because of my skin color
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I am still confused and hurt about why I am treated so poorly because of my race
Contributed by Joshua H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Racoon Dead
this song makes me bawl my eyes out even before the lyrics. SO BEAUTIFUL
Pinkie Eldred
one great example of the genius of Teagarden as he backs Satch is at 0;43 - 0;44.....................magnificent lines.
fillra01
Hi, James. Thanks for this masterpiece. Really really great band, & Armstrong is stunning!! "My only sin is is my skin..." Nice photos, especially the one of Louis with the joint. "dippermouth blog" is excellent for Louis: stories, photos, videos, audios. Also the "michaelminn armstrong" discography.
Gilles Vaillancourt
Fats Waller (le compositeur) et Louis Armstrong, une combinaison fantastique.
Fats Waller (the composer) and louis Armstrong, what a wonderful combination
ComicBookSyndicate
My favourite version.
Pinkie Eldred
Love it................!!!!!! Thanks ulajazz!
gabi corral
la meilleurs version de "black and blue"
Micah Cobb
Thanks for the upload
Andrew McDade
How could they laugh in the middle of this?