March 1965, Berlin.

Louis Armstrong (trumpet & vocals), Billy Kyle (piano), Tyree Glenn (trombone), Eddie Shu (clarinet), Arvell Shaw (double bass), Danny Barcelona (drums)

 

Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
Feel like Old Ned, wish I was dead
All my life through, I’ve been 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?