Am I Blue
Jimmy Rushing · Other Songs - Jimmy Rushing
Waiting on the weary shore
I'm just a woman who's only human
One you should feel sorry for
It was a morning, long before dawn
Without a warning I found he was gone
How could he do it, why should he do it
He never done it before
Am I blue, am I blue
Ain't these tears in these eyes telling you
How can you ask me am I blue
Why, wouldn't you be too
If each plan with your man
Done fell through
There was a time
When I was his only one
But now I'm the sad and lonely one lonely
Was I gay, until today
Now he's gone, and we're through
Am I blue
Am I Blue
Jimmy Rushing's "Am I Blue" stands as a definitive example of the Chicago blues style that defined the 1930s. Recorded with his signature raw, emotive vocal delivery, the track captures the weary spirit of the era through a simple yet powerful arrangement. Rushing, often referred to as the "King of the Blues," utilized this recording to showcase his ability to convey deep melancholy without relying on complex instrumentation. The song reflects the broader cultural sentiment of the time, resonating with listeners who felt the weight of economic hardship and personal struggle. As a staple of his discography, "Am I Blue" remains a crucial document of early blues music, influencing generations of artists who followed in his footsteps.