Black and Blue
Melrose COLBERT Lyrics


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Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
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
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
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?

Overall Meaning

Melrose COLBERT's song "Black and Blue" is a powerful and emotional commentary on the persistent, deep-seated racism that has plagued society for generations. Colbert sings about the physical and emotional pain of being black in America, expressing his frustration and sadness at the injustices he has faced.


The first verse begins with a description of the singer's cold, lonely bed and the pain in his head, both physical and emotional. He asks the poignant question, "What did I do to be so black and blue?" suggesting that the color of his skin is the sole reason for his suffering. The second verse continues with the theme of isolation, as the singer states that he has no joys or company and alludes to the mouse running from his house, emphasizing the pervasive sense of rejection and abandonment he feels. Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes his internal struggle with his identity, declaring that he is "white inside" but unable to hide the color of his skin.


The chorus repeats the central question of the song, "What did I do to be so black and blue?" The singer's tone shifts from one of inquiry to one of despair, as he laments that he is "hurt inside" but cannot hide what is on his face. He reflects on the persistent pain in his life and his torn heart, wondering why he was born with such a burden. In the final verse, the singer asks how it will all end, realizing that he has no friends to support him and that his only "sin" is his skin color.


Overall, "Black and Blue" is a powerful and moving song that captures the essence of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. It speaks to the pain and suffering of millions of black Americans throughout history, calling for compassion and understanding from those who have not experienced these injustices firsthand.


Line by Line Meaning

Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
My bed is empty and uncomfortable.


Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I have headaches and I feel miserable.


What did I do to be so black and blue?
Why do I suffer so much?


No joys for me, no company
I have no happiness or companionship.


Even the mouse ran from my house
No one wants to be near me.


All my life through I've been so black and blue
I have always suffered and faced discrimination.


I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Although I may have a good heart, it is not enough to change the way others see me.


Cause I can't hide what is on my face
I cannot conceal my skin color or the way it affects me.


I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I am depressed and life feels painful and difficult.


My heart is torn. Why was I born?
I feel deeply wounded and question my very existence.


How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I do not know what the future holds and I feel completely alone.


My only sin is in my skin
My only crime is being born with a certain skin color that others discriminate against.


What did I do? What did I do?
Why am I the target of such hate and discrimination?


What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
I do not understand why I am treated so poorly and I want to know why.


What did I do to be so black and blue?
Why do I suffer so much?




Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nicholasreid133

The words are bowdlerised from the version Louis Armstrong sang in the 1920s, but there is such a delicacy to the voice that this is a very effective performance and almost definitive. the dissonances in Hines' orchestra help.

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