Little Girl Blue
Melancholy Memoir: Louis Armstrong's Lament for Little Girl Blue
Lyrics
When you were very young
Referring to a past time when the listener was very young.
The world was younger than you
Suggests that during the listener's youth, the world seemed more youthful and vibrant compared to the listener.
As merry as a carousel
Depicts a joyful and carefree time in the past, comparing it to the happiness of a carousel ride.
The circus tent was strung
Describes a circus setting where the tent was adorned with stars, creating a magical atmosphere.
With every star in the sky
Implies that every star in the sky was above the circus tent, enhancing its enchanting nature.
Above the ring you loved so well
Reflects fondness for the circus ring, indicating a strong attachment to this part of the circus.
Now the young world has grown old
Indicates the passage of time, suggesting that the youthful world described earlier has aged.
Gone are the silver and gold
Suggests that the vitality and preciousness symbolized by "silver and gold" have disappeared or become less prominent.
Sit there and count your fingers what can you do
Encourages the listener to reflect or ponder on their situation, possibly feeling helpless or limited.
Old girl, you're through
Conveys a sense of resignation or defeat, addressing the listener as an "old girl" implying weariness or despair.
Just sit there and count your little fingers
Reiterates the suggestion to contemplate one's limitations or dissatisfaction, specifically focusing on the listener's "little fingers."
Unhappy little girl blue
Describes the listener as unhappy or melancholic, represented by the color blue.
Sit there and count the raindrops falling on you
Directs the listener to observe and acknowledge the rain falling on them, possibly representing hardships or sadness.
It's time you knew
Suggests that it's time for the listener to understand or accept something, possibly related to their circumstances.
All you can count on are the raindrops
States that the only consistent or certain thing for the listener is the raindrops falling on them.
That fall on little girl blue
Reiterates the focus on the listener's sadness or melancholy represented by the color blue.
No use, old girl, you might as well surrender
Advises the listener that it's pointless to resist or keep hoping for something, as chances of success are diminishing.
Your hopes are getting slender
Indicates that the listener's aspirations or dreams are fading or becoming less likely to be fulfilled.
Why won't somebody send a tender
Expresses a wish for someone to send comfort or solace to the sad or melancholic listener.
Blue boy to cheer up little girl blue?
Refers to a desire for someone (a "blue boy") to bring cheer or happiness to the melancholic "little girl blue."
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