Black and Blue
Louis Armstrong
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Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead 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 I'm white inside, but that don't help my case 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?
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Written by: Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Release Date"Black and Blue" was initially recorded by Ethel Waters on May 8, 1929, and later recorded by Louis Armstrong on December 4, 1929.
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CompositionThe song was composed by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks with lyrics written by Andy Razaf.
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Jazz InfluenceIt is widely considered one of the seminal offerings of early American Jazz.
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Social CommentaryThe song's lyrics openly addresses racism and the color divide that was prevalent in the United States during that time.
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Notable PerformancesWaters' and Armstrong's renditions of the song are highly regarded, with Armstrong's version being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
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Album VersionsLouis Armstrong's version of the song is included in the album "Louis Armstrong and His Sebastian New Cotton Club Orchestra" which was released in 1929.
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Incorporation in Broadway MusicalThe song was used in the 1929 musical revue "Hot Chocolates."
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Racial SignificanceBoth Waters' and Armstrong's interpretations became anthems of the Civil Rights Movement, due to the powerful message nestled within the lyrics.
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Timeless InfluenceThe song has been covered by several other artists over the years, across various music genres, evidencing its timeless appeal and influence.
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Historical ContextThe recording of "Black and Blue" at the peak of the Harlem Renaissance in 1929 reflected a broad engagement with race issues among Black American performers and audiences alike.
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LegacyEthel Waters' delivery of the song was pivotal in her career, establishing her as a serious actor and vocal technician, beyond just a blues singer.
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RecognitionArmstrong's influential take on "Black and Blue" was admitted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
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Music StyleThe song is a perfect merge of classic blues scales with a New Orleans jazz style swing rhythm, a style attributable to both Armstrong and Waters.
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Citation
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"Black and Blue Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1399744/Louis+Armstrong/Black+and+Blue>.
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