Little Girl Blue
Nina Simone / Postal Service Lyrics

The lyrics of Nina Simone's "Little Girl Blue" speak to the feelings of sadness and hopelessness experienced by the titular "little girl." The first few lines describe her sitting and counting her fingers with a sense of defeat; as if she has no other options or dreams left. The line "old girl, you're through" almost sounds like a harsh admonishment, as if someone is scolding the little girl for not being able to accomplish more. But it's also clear that the singer empathizes with her, as they affectionately refer to her as "little girl blue."

The following verse continues this sense of despair, as the little girl is told to count the raindrops falling on her. The singer suggests that this is all she can ever count on; that nothing will ever change for her. Yet, despite this bleak outlook, the singer returns to the image of the little girl counting raindrops. They ask her to sit there and continue counting, almost as if encouraging her to acknowledge her sadness rather than trying to push it away. And finally, the last lines offer a glimmer of hope: the suggestion that a "tender blue boy" might come along to lift the little girl's spirits.

This song is a poignant commentary on the difficulties faced by many people, particularly women and girls, who feel trapped by their circumstances and have no one to turn to for comfort or support. The lyrics are simple but powerful, capturing the sense of resignation and despair that can accompany such struggles. By offering a glimpse of hope at the end, Simone creates a sense of possibility and encouragement that keeps the song from becoming completely overwhelming.