Black and Blue
Lyle Lovett Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's Saturday night
You check the tv guide
And pray the black and white
Can keep you satisfied

She had yellow hair
She had high-heel shoes
She red the whole affair
And left you black and blue

In 1956
She was just a kiss
In 1985
How could she come to this

He had yellow hair
He like high-heel shoes
Lipstick was everywhere
And he left her black and blue

So it's Saturday night
You check the tv guide
And pray you'll be all right
Because it's your turn this time

See she had yellow hair
She had high-heel shoes
Lipstick was everywhere
And you left her black and blue





What's it to you
It's black and blue

Overall Meaning

The song "Black and Blue" by Lyle Lovett is a story of domestic violence and the cycle of abuse. The song tells of a couple, likely married, who are stuck in a cycle of violence, where they continually hurt each other. The singer seems to have grown accustomed to the pain and hopes that the television can distract him from the abuse for just one night. He checks the TV guide to see what's on and prays that it can provide some comfort or escape.


The first verse of the song introduces us to the female character who has "yellow hair" and "high-heel shoes." The second verse introduces us to a male character with similar features. It's possible that the song is trying to convey that physical appearance and social status have no bearing on the cycle of abuse.


The line "she read the whole affair and left you black and blue" suggests that there has been a history of infidelity, along with physical violence. The singer seems to point the blame at the victim, which highlights their lack of accountability and ignorance toward the situation.


The final line, "what's it to you, it's black, and blue," seems to suggest that the singer is apathetic to their partner's pain and is unwilling to take responsibility. Overall, the song is a potent commentary on the devastating impact of domestic violence.


Line by Line Meaning

It's Saturday night
The singer is setting the scene and implying that the rest of the song will be related to something happening on Saturday night.


You check the tv guide
The singer is implying that the character is going to stay in and watch TV.


And pray the black and white
The character is hoping that the TV shows are worth watching and will not be boring.


Can keep you satisfied
The character is hoping that the TV shows will keep them occupied for the entire night.


She had yellow hair
The artist is describing a woman who had noticeable, blonde hair.


She had high-heel shoes
The singer is describing a woman who dressed up and wore high shoes.


She red the whole affair
The singer is implying that the woman read or understood the relationship better than the man.


And left you black and blue
The woman hurt the man both physically and emotionally.


In 1956
The artist is stating the year to give context to the woman's life at the time.


She was just a kiss
The woman was young and inexperienced, and the man likely thought their relationship was not serious.


In 1985
The singer is stating the year to demonstrate that the woman had changed a lot since the man knew her, and it had been a long time.


How could she come to this
The man is questioning how the woman ended up hurting him.


He had yellow hair
The singer is describing a man who had noticeable blonde hair.


He like high-heel shoes
The singer is describing a man who enjoyed dressing up and wearing high shoes.


Lipstick was everywhere
The man was wearing lipstick, which is traditionally associated with women.


And he left her black and blue
Contrary to before, the male character hurt the woman both physically and emotionally.


So it's Saturday night
The artist is returning to the present moment and setting the stage again.


You check the tv guide
Once again, the character is hoping to find something good to watch.


And pray you'll be all right
The character is hoping that they will have a peaceful night and not have to experience any unexpected events.


Because it's your turn this time
The artist is hinting that the character is responsible for what will happen on this night.


She had yellow hair
Referencing the earlier verses, the artist is describing the same woman again.


She had high-heel shoes
Once again, the woman is known for dressing up and wearing high shoes.


Lipstick was everywhere
The woman was likely wearing lipstick again.


And you left her black and blue
The character hurt the woman once again, much like before.


What's it to you
The singer is asking why the listener cares or is making a fuss about the situation.


It's black and blue
The singer is reminding the listener that the situation is negative and is likely beyond fixing.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LYLE PEARCE LOVETT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Susan Dailey

Timeless Classic, He is so intense...thank you Lyle.

Phlebas

I first heard this song as a kid and the lyrics flew over my head. Then I heard it as a young adult and thought this was a dark song about domestic violence.

… but reading the lyrics as a slightly older and wiser adult and I realised it's not quite as dark as I imagined it. I suspect both characters have a mutual understanding of the situation and have their safe words.

Paul Moore

This song showcases the immense talent of this Texan! His band sure knows how
To back him up... This whole album is outstanding! And His earliest effort.

Gail Remp

Some of the stuff is so intensely dark. And it is just so good. I have loved this guy for the first time I saw him on Austin city limits . That was right when he used to sit in the audience and then they invited him up to sing as he progressed... pretty cool..and black and blue is just it!

Paulette Forman

Always love Cool Lyle Lovett......reminds of a smokey jazz club with the lights down low

Reg McCormack

Love Lyall fantastic songsmith

Виктор Марченко

Отличный блюз!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mad Bull Lost

It's Saturday night
You check the TV guide
And pray the black and white
Can keep you satisfied
She had yellow hair
She had high-heel shoes
She red the whole affair
And left you black and blue
In 1956
She was just a kiss
In 1985
How could she come to this
He had yellow hair
He like high-heel shoes
Lipstick was everywhere
And he left her black and blue
So it's Saturday night
You check the TV guide
And pray you'll be all right
Because it's your turn this time
See she had yellow hair
She had high-heel shoes
Lipstick was everywhere
And you left her black and blue
What's it to you
It's black and blue

T Walk

what's it to you? awesome, Lyle...

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