Black and Blue
Tivolis Big 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 lyrics of Tivolis Big Band's song "Black and Blue" tell the tale of a person who is facing deep despair and loneliness, and is wracked with physical and emotional pain. The metaphor of "black and blue" serves to describe the character's internal and external states, as they are depicted as being both physically and emotionally battered. The song is deeply poignant and melancholic, as it expresses a sense of helplessness and inevitability.
The first verse sets the scene of the character's suffering, describing their cold and empty bed, and the physical aches and pains they experience. The second verse goes deeper into the character's loneliness, suggesting that they have pushed away any companionship they may have had, and are completely isolated. The chorus repeats the question "What did I do to be so black and blue?" as a sense of bewilderment and hopelessness sets in. The bridge describes the character's internal struggle, as they feel white inside but are unable to hide the pain and anguish that is etched on their face. The outro repeats the question once more, despairing for an answer that may never come.
Overall, the song is a moving ode to the pain of isolation and the struggle for self-acceptance. It speaks to the universal human experience of pain and loneliness, and provides a deeply empathetic portrayal of those who are struggling with these issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
I'm sleeping alone in a hard bed, feeling isolated and dejected.
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
I'm experiencing physical pain and feeling mentally exhausted.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I'm questioning why I have to endure such intense suffering and wondering what caused it.
No joys for me, no company
I'm not experiencing any happiness or companionship in my life.
Even the mouse ran from my house
I'm feeling so lonely that even small creatures are avoiding my presence.
All my life through I've been so black and blue
I've been suffering like this my entire life, enduring pain and isolation.
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
Although I have good intentions, it doesn't change the fact that I'm discriminated against based on the color of my skin.
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
My emotions and pain are visible on my face, and people are judging me based on what they see.
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
I'm feeling hopeless and life seems like a constant struggle.
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
I'm feeling a deep sense of pain and sadness, wondering why I had to be born in this situation.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I'm questioning why I'm experiencing so much pain and suffering, wondering what I did to deserve it.
I'm hurt inside, but that don't help my case
Although I'm suffering internally, it doesn't change the fact that I'm discriminated against based on the color of my skin.
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
My emotions and pain are visible on my face, making it impossible to hide what I'm experiencing.
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
I'm feeling powerless and alone, wondering how my suffering will ever come to an end.
My only sin is in my skin
The only thing I've done wrong is being born with a specific skin color that others discriminate against.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I'm questioning why I'm experiencing so much pain and discrimination, wondering what I did to deserve it.
Tell me, what did I do?
I'm pleading for someone to explain to me why I'm enduring so much pain and suffering because of the color of my skin.
What did I do? What did I do?
I'm repeating my plea for an answer, feeling desperate for some explanation for my suffering.
What did I do? What did I do?
I'm continuing to ask the same question, desperate to understand the reason for my pain and discrimination.
What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
I'm imploring for someone to explain to me why I'm being discriminated against and suffering because of the color of my skin.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
I'm still questioning why I'm experiencing so much pain and discrimination, feeling lost and hopeless.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind