Louis Armstrong - Black and Blue download song

timeless. and his voice is soooo special. I wish we had more mainstream artists who shared a queer sound such as his. he's LITERALLY unmatchable. no one could share what he has.

I don't know how he keeps a straight face (not crying) while singing such heartfelt lyrics onstage.

If you're ever in New York City, visit Louis Armstrong's house in Corona Queens where you can not only see where he lived but here recordings of him as if you were visiting his family.  A great performer and a great human being.

Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead Feels 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 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 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

Someone sang this last night in class and the lyrics captivated me. I thought I was the only one that was moved by the how deep the words cut, but the instructor said that the words brought him to the brink of tears.  The song speaks to the plight that many of us face for the mere fact of being.  It transcends race and the confines of argument by speaking the truth with nonsensical scat to boot.  It is as relevant today as it was, I am sure, back then. The trumpet intro reminded me of a funeral in New Orleans I once witnessed.  The tragic death march of the living- a heavy burdened shuffle while the tears flow to remind us that even in the face of death and adversity, we dance.  That even while we mourn the injustice of it all, we sing....even if we have to shout the blues.   Thanks for the post

The lyrics to this song are heart breaking.

I've been his fan all life and never have I heard this track. Lyrics so deep and it's been on replay. God bless Great satchmo

I love this song! It's so revealing about what blacks experienced back then (and still do today). There's such powerful authenticity and emotion in the lyrics!

Another allusion to this song in literature: James Baldwin's short story "This Morning This Evening So Soon" from _Going to Meet the Man_. The narrator, a popular singer, thinks of the titles of a number of songs when he recalls performing for an audience of white Americans on a transatlantic voyage from France to New York.

"..... MY ONLY SIN IS IN MY SKIN.." The lyrics of this song is very profound !!

That smile. The only time I've seen a smile compare is Tank from Tank and the Bangas. Few people have such beautiful smiles.

I was reading "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison, and in the prologue, the narrator talks about getting high and listening to this song. I listen to Louis Armstrong's music, but I had never heard of this song. I'm glad I was curious enough to look it up :)

Born August 4th, 1901 - the single most influential musician of the 20th century?