Black and Blue
The World's Greatest Jazz Band 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 World's Greatest Jazz Band's song "Black and Blue" is a powerful commentary on racism and discrimination. The lyrics describe the pain and alienation that come with being black in a white-dominated society. The singer is portrayed as being physically and emotionally exhausted, with a cold and empty bed and aching head. The phrase "old Ned" refers to a traditional African American folktale character who is frequently the victim of white oppression, amplifying the theme of racial inequality.
The song goes on to describe the singer's sense of isolation and despair. He has no companionship, and even mice avoid his home. The repeated refrain, "What did I do to be so black and blue?" highlights the sense of confusion and injustice that stems from being a victim of bigotry. The singer acknowledges that he is white inside, but his skin color is a constant reminder of his marginalized status.
The lyrics of "Black and Blue" resonate with anyone who has ever experienced injustice and oppression. The song has enduring appeal because it speaks to a universal human experience, and its themes of hopelessness, loneliness, and marginalization are still relevant today.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
A physical representation of the loneliness and discomfort the singer is feeling.
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
The singer is experiencing severe emotional pain and compares it to the physical pain of an old injury.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
The singer is questioning why they are experiencing such pain and hardship, particularly due to their race.
No joys for me, no company
The artist is completely alone and lacks any sort of happiness or companionship in their life.
Even the mouse ran from my house
The loneliness and sadness the artist experiences is so palpable that even small creatures like mice feel it and flee from it.
All my life through I've been so black and blue
The singer has been dealing with this pain and hardship for their entire life due to their race.
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
The singer is trying to argue that they are just like everyone else inside, but they are still treated differently because of their skin color.
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
The artist can't hide the color of their skin, which is the reason for their mistreatment.
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
The artist is extremely sad and feels like life is just a constant source of pain and hardship.
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
The artist is questioning the purpose of their existence if they are only going to experience pain and hardship because of their skin color.
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
The singer is unsure how their situation will ever improve and feels completely isolated from any sort of support system.
My only sin is in my skin
The artist believes that the only reason they are being mistreated is because of their skin color, which they have no control over.
Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
The singer is still struggling to understand how they ended up in this situation, where they are experiencing so much pain solely because of their race.
What did I do? What did I do?
The repetition of this line emphasizes the singer's confusion and desperation to understand why they are being mistreated.
What did I do? What did I do?
The repetition of this line emphasizes the singer's confusion and desperation to understand why they are being mistreated.
What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
The artist is pleading with someone, anyone, to explain why they are experiencing so much pain and hardship due to their race.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
The final repetition of this line emphasizes the artist's continued confusion and desperation for answers.
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
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind