blues
Sidney Bechet and his All Stars 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?
"Blues in 2-3" is a melancholic song that speaks on the theme of racism and discrimination. The lyrics depict a person who feels isolated, forlorn, and discriminated against because of the color of their skin. The song begins with the singer describing a cold empty bed with springs as hard as lead and the pains in their head, and how they feel like old Ned. As the song progresses, the singer continues to describe their loneliness, the absence of joy, and their lack of company. They feel like even the mouse ran from their house. The chorus of the song poses the question, "What did I do to be so black and blue?" which highlights the confusion and hurt the singer feels about being discriminated against because of their skin color.
The second verse highlights the singer's struggle to hide their pain and suffering behind a white facade. They are aware that they are white inside, but that doesn't help their case because they can't hide what's on their face. They feel forlorn and that life is just a thorn. They wonder why they were born and what they did to be so black and blue. The last verse is particularly poignant as the singer is hurt inside, but that doesn't help their case either. They don't have any friends and feel like their only sin is in their skin. The song ends with the singer still searching for answers and asking why they are black and blue.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
I am alone in bed with no one to provide comfort. My bed is uncomfortable and feels heavy like lead.
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I have a headache that is making me feel unwell and old, worn-out.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I am reflecting on the cause of my distress and wondering why I have been plagued with such misery.
No joys for me, no company
I have no happiness or companionship in my life.
Even the mouse ran from my house
I am so lonely and unapproachable that not even a small creature like a mouse would stay with me.
All my life through I've been so black and blue
My difficult life has been full of hardships that have left me feeling physically and emotionally bruised.
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Despite having a pure and innocent inner self, it does not spare me from the struggles that come with being a black person.
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
My struggles are evident to others, and I cannot conceal the pain I feel.
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I am very unhappy and pessimistic about life, which seems to be full of obstacles causing me a lot of pain.
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
I am struggling with the purpose of my existence, as my life appears to be wrought with pain and disappointment.
I'm hurt inside, but that don't help my case
Despite feeling emotionally wounded, it does not ease the challenges that come with being black in society.
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I am unsure how my life will conclude as I am battling the world alone, without a confidant.
My only sin is in my skin
The only wrongdoing I have committed is the color of my skin, and I am being punished unfairly for something I cannot change.
Tell me, what did I do?
I am pleading with those who perpetuate my pain to explain what wrong I have done to deserve such maltreatment.
What did I do? What did I do?
I cannot understand why I am being targeted, and I am asking repeatedly for answers.
Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
I am imploring for someone to explain to me why my life has been filled with pain and suffering simply because I am black.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
My life is filled with anguish, and I cannot fathom a reason why such suffering is necessary.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: HARRY BROOKS, ANDY RAZAF, FATS WALLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind