Black and Blue
Zoot Sims & Joe Pass 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 song "Black and Blue" by Zoot Sims and Joe Pass explores the painful experiences of a person who is discriminated against due to their skin color. From the very start, the lyrics paint a picture of a weary and pained individual who is alone and suffering in a cold, empty bed with aching pains in their head. They ask the poignant question, "What did I do to be so black and blue?" implying that they have done nothing to deserve the mistreatment they have received.
The next verse conveys the loneliness and isolation the person feels as they have no joys or company in their life, and even the mouse has run from their house. The line "All my life through I've been so black and blue" reinforces the fact that this person has suffered from discrimination and prejudice for their entire life. The persona then goes on to say that even though they may be white on the inside, it doesn't change the reality that their skin color, which they cannot hide, is a source of prejudice and discrimination.
In the final verse, the person's pain and despair are palpable as they wonder how their life will end, without friends and with their heart torn. Their "only sin is in their skin," which conveys that they have done nothing wrong except be born with a certain skin color, something beyond their control. Overall, the song beautifully captures the emotions and experiences of those who suffer discrimination, with powerful lyrics and melancholic music.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
The bed is uncomfortable and hard, resulting in sleepless nights and a feeling of emptiness.
Pains in my head, feel like old Ned
The singer is experiencing severe headaches, making him feel lethargic.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
The singer is questioning what he did to deserve the pain and hardship he is experiencing in life.
No joys for me, no company
The artist has no joy or companionship in his life, making him feel isolated and alone.
Even the mouse ran from my house
The loneliness is so palpable that even mice don't want to stay in the artist's house.
All my life through I've been so black and blue
The singer has felt this way throughout his entire life, indicating that this feeling is not a fleeting one.
I'm white inside, but that don't help my case
The singer may be white in skin color, but it doesn't provide him with any benefit or relief from his struggles.
Cause I can't hide what is on my face
The artist cannot hide the pain and hardships he is experiencing, as it is apparent in his face.
I'm so forlorn. Life's just a thorn
The artist is feeling hopeless and desolate, lamenting that life is nothing but a painful burden.
My heart is torn. Why was I born?
The artist is questioning the purpose of his existence and why he was even born into such a difficult situation.
How will it end? Ain't got a friend
The singer is unsure how his story will ultimately play out and feels completely friendless.
My only sin is in my skin
The only thing causing the artist's pain and hardships is the color of his skin.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
The singer is still searching for a reason why he is experiencing this pain and hardship due to the color of his skin.
Tell me, what did I do?
The singer is pleading with someone, anyone to provide him with an answer to why he is suffering.
What did I do? What did I do?
The repetition of the question emphasizes the singer's desperation for an answer.
What did I do? What did I do?
The repetition of the question emphasizes the artist's level of desperation for an answer.
What did I do? Tell me, what did I do to be so black and blue?
The artist is once again pleading for an answer, hoping someone can provide him with one that will help end his suffering.
What did I do to be so black and blue?
The singer repeats his question once again, indicating his desperation for an answer.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY BROOKS, ANDY RAZAF, FATS WALLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind