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

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 oh

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