Transcribed from vocals by Blanche Calloway with
Ruben "River" Reeves and His River Boys, recorded August 13, 1929,
From Ruben
Reeves: The Complete Vocalions 1928-1933; Timeless Records, CBC 1-039 Jazz.
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 joy for me,
No company,
Even a 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?
How sad I am,
Each day I feel worse;
My mark of Ham
Seems to be a curse.
Oh!
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Published 3/1/01.
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