Am I Blue?

Chick Webb & His Orchestra, Columbia Studio Orchestra, Ethel Waters

About Am I Blue?

"Am I Blue?" is a song copyrighted by Harry Akst (music) and Grant Clarke (lyrics) in 1929 and then featured in four films that year, most notably with Ethel Waters in the movie On with the Show. It has appeared in 42 movies, most recently Funny Lady and The Cotton Club, and has become a standard covered by numerous artists.


Year:
1999
98 
#2

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I'm just a woman, a lonely woman
Waiting on the weary shore
I'm just a woman who's only human
One you should feel sorry for

It was a morning, long before dawn
Without a warning I found he was gone
How could he do it, why should he do it
He never done it before

Am I blue, am I blue
Ain't these tears in these eyes telling you
How can you ask me am I blue
Why, wouldn't you be too
If each plan with your man
Done fell through

There was a time
When I was his only one
But now I'm the sad and lonely one...lonely
Was I gay, until today
Now he's gone, and we're through
Am I blue

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Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters (October 31, 1896 – September 1, 1977) was an American blues, jazz and gospel vocalist and actress. She frequently performed jazz, big band, and pop music, on the Broadway stage and in concerts, although she began her career in the 1920s singing blues. more »

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Written by: GRANT CLARKE, HARRY AKST

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Am I Blue?" is widely considered as a classic Blues song. The deep emotional undertones and lyrical depth categorize it well within the Blues genre.
Original Release
Originally, this song was released back in 1929. It stands tall as one of the prime examples of early 20th century American music.
Notable Performer
Ethel Waters is famously known for her rendition of "Am I Blue?". While she wasn't the only one to perform the song, her version continues to be one of the most recognized.
Movie Feature
The song "Am I Blue?" was featured in the movie "On with the Show". This was the first ever all-talking, all-color film by Warner Bros.
Ethel as First African-American
Ethel Waters was the first African-American to star in her own television show and the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award. Singing "Am I Blue?" in the movie "On with the Show" was yet another milestone of her career.
Song's Significance
The song, "Am I Blue?", is often seen as a significant piece of work in the fight against racial boundaries that existed in Hollywood during the time it was produced.
Duration
The song, "Am I Blue?" is approximately 3 minutes long – a fairly typical length for that time period.
Songwriters
"Am I Blue?" was written by Harry Akst and Grant Clarke. Their incredible songwriting abilities are reflected in the lasting popularity of the song.
Legacy
Since its original release and performance by Ethel Waters, "Am I Blue?" has been covered by multiple artists of subsequent generations including Billie Holiday, Diane Ross, and Cher, signifying its enduring appeal.
Lyric Theme
The song has sad undertones and deals with themes of loneliness and heartache, which are staple characteristics of the Blues genre.
Record Company
The record company that released "Am I Blue?" featuring Ethel Waters was Columbia Records, a label with a long history in the music industry.
Influence on Music
Over the years, this song has become a standard in blues, jazz, and pop music. It’s frequently used as an audition piece or performance number by vocalists and instrumentalists alike.

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