Song Meaning
The narrator directly confronts the question of their emotional state, using their tears as immediate, irrefutable evidence of sadness. The repeated, almost pleading, "Am I blue?" sets a tone of raw vulnerability, as if seeking confirmation for a pain that feels overwhelming and undeniable.
The core of the narrator's blues stems from a failed romantic relationship. They directly link their sorrow to the man who has left, suggesting a shared experience of disappointment: "You'd be too / If each plan with your man / Done fell through." This implies a history of shared aspirations that have now crumbled, leaving the narrator alone with the wreckage.
The lyrics pivot to a stark contrast between past and present. There was a time when the narrator felt uniquely cherished, "his only one." Now, that exclusivity has evaporated, replaced by a profound sense of isolation: "The sad and lonely one." This shift highlights the devastating impact of the man's departure on the narrator's sense of self-worth and belonging.
The final verses introduce a surprising, albeit brief, re-evaluation of identity prompted by the breakup. The question "Was I gay? / 'Til today" suggests that perhaps their previous understanding of their own identity or desires was tied to this specific relationship. With the man gone, the narrator is left questioning who they are without him, amplifying the depth of their current blue mood.