Just happened upon a true gem. It’s by Tony Bennett. For the Ladies. And theres a volume 2 out.

Tony sings songs that were written for women. Some are sweet. But his take on “Black and Blue” really got to me. It’s about a black woman who resents her lighter skinned peers for passing. The song is a classic, but most times I’ve heard it a couple verses were left out (Like in “This Land is Your Land”). The fact that it’s Tony Bennett singing makes it jarring in an unexpected way.

Bailey
“Reds, browns and yellows are can get fellows but I’m stuck here alone and dark as the night. I’ve got no man to love but I have sorrows enough.
Whatever did I do to end up so black and blue.”