About the song
Billie Holiday’s “The Blues Are Brewin’”: A Classic of Jazz
Billie Holiday, often hailed as the “Lady Day”, is a name synonymous with jazz. Her haunting vocals and emotional depth have made her one of the most influential singers of all time. One of her iconic tracks, “The Blues Are Brewin’”, showcases her ability to imbue a song with raw emotion.
The title, “The Blues Are Brewin’”, is a simple yet evocative phrase that perfectly captures the song’s mood. It suggests a brewing storm of emotions, a feeling of melancholy and longing that is deeply rooted in the blues tradition. Holiday’s lyrics, though relatively sparse, are filled with double meanings and innuendos, inviting the listener to delve deep into the heart of the song.
Musically, “The Blues Are Brewin'” is a classic jazz ballad. The arrangement is sparse, featuring a walking bassline, a swinging rhythm section, and a muted trumpet solo. This stripped-down approach allows Holiday’s voice to take center stage. The tempo is slow and deliberate, creating a sense of intimacy and allowing the listener to fully appreciate the nuances of her vocal performance.
Holiday’s vocal performance is nothing short of extraordinary. Her voice is rich, smoky, and filled with a world-weariness that belies her young age. She delivers the lyrics with a sense of longing and melancholy that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The vibrato in her voice adds a layer of complexity, conveying a range of emotions from sadness to defiance.
“The Blues Are Brewin’” has endured as a classic for several reasons. First, the song’s universal theme of heartbreak and loss resonates with people of all ages. Second, the music is both beautiful and timeless, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the sophistication and elegance of jazz. And finally, Holiday’s performance is simply unforgettable, making her one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century.
Beyond its musical merits, “The Blues Are Brewin'” also holds historical significance. It’s a testament to Holiday’s ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level and to explore complex themes with honesty and vulnerability. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further solidifying its status as a jazz standard.
If you’re looking for a song that will transport you to another time and place, and that will make you feel a range of emotions, then look no further than “The Blues Are Brewin’”. It’s a timeless piece of music that continues to inspire and move listeners.
Video
Lyrics
When the moon’s kinda dreamy
Starry eyed and dreamy
And nights are luscious and long
If you’re kinda lonely
All by you’re only
Then nothin’ but the blues are brewin’
The blues are brewin’
When the wind through the window
Blows across your pillow
And tells you sleepin’ is wrong
If love goes a thirsting
Till you feel like bursting
Then nothing but the blues are brewin’
The blues are brewin’
Suppose you want somebody
But you ain’t got nobody
You only get a gleam in your eyes
Till somebody’s found you
And put their lovin’ arms around you
You got the feelin’ you want to die
But when the Lord up above you
Send’s someone to love you
The blues are something you loose
You’re so busy doing
The things that you’re doing
That love ain’t got no time
For brewin’ the blues
But when the Lord up above you
Send’s someone to love you
The blues are something you loose
You’re so busy doing
The things that you’re doing
That love ain’t got no time
For brewin’ the blues
The blues