Trouble in Mind

Bertha "Chippie" Hill

About Trouble in Mind

"Trouble in Mind" is a vaudeville blues-style song written by jazz pianist Richard M. Jones. It became an early blues standard, with numerous renditions by a variety of musicians. Although singer Thelma La Vizzo with Jones on piano first recorded the song in 1924, Bertha "Chippie" Hill popularized the song with her 1926 recording with Jones and trumpeter Louis Armstrong. In many versions, new lyrics are added. However, most usually include the well-known verse:


Year:
1998
2:51
109 
#2

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Trouble in mind, I am blue
But I won't be blue always
For the sun will shine in my back door again

Trouble in mind, that's true
I have almost lost my mind
Life ain't worthwhile livin'; feel like I could die

I'm gonna lay my head
On some lonesome rail road iron
Let the 2:19 train ease my trouble of mine

Trouble in mind, I am here
My poor heart is bein' slow
Now I have no trouble in my life before

Trouble in mind, oh, yes, I am blue
But I won't be blue always
Yes, the sun will shine in my back door someday

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Bertha "Chippie" Hill

Bertha "Chippie" Hill (March 15, 1905 – May 7, 1950), was an American blues and vaudeville singer and dancer, best known for her recordings with Louis Armstrong. more »

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Written by: Richard M. Jones

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Song History
"Trouble in Mind" is a song that dates back to the early 20th century, first published in 1924. Although it was originally written by jazz pianist Richard M. Jones, it was popularized by artists including legendary jazz instrumentalist Louis Armstrong and classic blues singer Bertha "Chippie" Hill.
Song's Genre
It is a blues song, showcasing the essence of the genre through its themes of hardship and hope. Its lyrics express the tough times faced by African Americans during the 1920s in the United States, a theme that resonates deeply in the blues genre.
Artist Background - Bertha "Chippie" Hill
Performing the song alongside Armstrong, Bertha "Chippie" Hill was a notable figure in the jazz world. She was born in South Carolina but moved to New York City to establish her music career, where she became famous for her performances in vaudeville theatres during the 1920s.
Artist Background - Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong is known for pioneering jazz music with his virtuosic trumpet playing and unique vocal style. Armstrong, often nicknamed "Satchmo" or "Pops," performed "Trouble In Mind" with a characteristic sense of soul and emotive depth, contributing significantly to the popularity of the song.
Musical Style
Armstrong's trumpet solos in "Trouble in Mind" are noted for their soulfulness and intensity, imbuing the song with a strong emotional foundation. Meanwhile, Hill's vocal delivery is filled with raw emotion, creating the mournful ambience that is signature to blues.
Song Influence
Due to the embellishments and improvisations made by Armstrong and Hill, "Trouble in Mind" has become a well-loved standard within the jazz and blues community. It has been covered by countless artists across several generations, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Historical Perspective
The lyrics of "Trouble in Mind" reflect the reality of racial obstacles and economic hardship of black citizens during the Jim Crow era. This song, along with others at the time, served as a tool for subtly expressing social discontent and despair.
Reception
Despite its origin as a classic blues ballad, the performances by Hill and Armstrong allowed "Trouble in Mind" to transcend its genre, reaching audiences that were fans of jazz, folk, and even rock music. This broad appeal has helped the song maintain its relevance and resonance, even decades later.

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