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(What Did I Do To Be So) Black and
Blue
(1929) Thomas "Fats" Waller, composer; Harry Brooks/Andy Razaf,
lyrics
Longer version
Verse: Out in the street, shufflin'
feet,
Couples passin' two by two,
While here am I, left high and dry,
Black, and 'cause I'm black I'm blue.
Browns and yellers, all have fellers,
Gentlemen prefer them light,
Wish I could fade, can't make the grade,
Nothing but dark days in sight:
Chorus 1:
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, It don't help my
case
'Cause I can't hide, what is on my face, oh!
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?
'Cause you're black, Folks think you lack
They laugh at you, And scorn you too,
What did I do, to be so Black And Blue?
When you are near, they laugh and sneer,
Set you aside and you're denied,
What did I do, to be so Black And Blue?
How sad I am, each day I feel worse,
My mark of Ham seems to be a curse!
How will it end? Ain't got a friend,
My only sin Is my skin.
What did I do, to be so Black And Blue?
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Lyrics, "Black and Blue?"
(As sung by Armstrong)
Old empty bed...springs hard as lead
Feel like ol’ Ned...wished I was dead
What did I do...to be so black and blue
Even the mouse...ran from my house
They laugh at you...and scorn you too
What did I do...to be so black and blue
I'm white...inside...but, that don't help my case
’cause I...can't hide...what is in my face
(jazzman sounds)
How would it end...ain't got a friend
My only sin...is in my skin
What did I do...to be so black and blue
(instrumental break)
How would it end...ain't got a friend
My only sin...is in my skin
What did I do...to be so black and blue
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