Throughout the years, and changing line-ups, the group maintained a strong fan-base among jazz fans of all ages.
Black And Blue
The Dave Brubeck Quartet 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 Dave Brubeck Quartet's song "Black and Blue" is a deeply emotional and poignant piece that touches on themes of racial prejudice and discrimination. The opening lines of the song paint a picture of a lonely and desolate world where the singer feels isolated and rejected: "Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead, pains in my head, feel like old Ned." The reference to "old Ned" suggests a feeling of hopelessness and despair that has been present throughout the singer's life.
The question "What did I do to be so black and blue?" is a cry of frustration and desperation, as the singer tries to make sense of the discrimination they face. Despite being "white inside," the singer cannot hide the color of their skin, which is a constant reminder of their status as a second-class citizen. The stark contrast between the singer's inner and outer selves serves to highlight the sense of injustice and unfairness that pervades their existence.
The final lines of the song, "What did I do to be so black and blue? Tell me, what did I do? What did I do?" are a haunting refrain that lingers long after the song has ended. The repetition of the question highlights the sense of confusion and disillusionment that the singer feels, as they struggle to understand why they have been singled out and treated unfairly. Ultimately, the song is a powerful indictment of the systemic racism and discrimination that continues to plague our society.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
My bed is cold and empty, and the springs are uncomfortable and unforgiving
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I have a headache that feels like it's been with me for ages
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Why am I being treated so poorly just because of the color of my skin?
No joys for me, no company
I have no happiness in my life and no one to share it with
Even the mouse ran from my house
The only living thing in my home, a mouse, even avoids me
All my life through I've been so black and blue
I have faced discrimination and hardship my entire life because of my skin color
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Although I may have a white personality, it doesn't matter when people only see the color of my skin
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
I cannot hide the color of my skin, which is what causes me so much suffering
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I am filled with sadness and despair; life is nothing but a painful existence
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
I am filled with so much pain and suffering that I question my very existence
I'm hurt inside, but that don't help my case
I am emotionally wounded, but it doesn't change the way people perceive me
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I have no idea how my life will continue, and I have no one to rely on or confide in
My only sin is in my skin
The only thing 'wrong' with me is the color of my skin, which is a sin to those who discriminate against me
What did I do to be so black and blue?
Why am I being punished for something I have no control over?
Tell me, what did I do?
Please, someone, explain to me why I am being treated this way
What did I do? What did I do?
I keep asking this question without any answers
What did I do? What did I do?
I am desperate for an explanation for the injustices I face because of my skin color
Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
Someone, anyone, please tell me why I am being punished and discriminated against for the color of my skin
Lyrics © DistroKid, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller
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