Hong Kong Blues
Hoagy Carmichael
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It's the story of a very unfortunate colored man Who got arrested down in old Hong Kong He got twenty years privilege taken away from him When he kicked old Buddha's gong And now he's poppin' the piano just to raise the price Of a ticket to the land of the free Well, he say his home's in Frisco where they send the rice But it's really in Tennessee That's why he said, "I need someone to love me Need somebody to carry me home to San Francisco And bury my body there Oh, I need someone to lend me a fifty dollar bill and then I'll leave Hong Kong behind me for happiness once again" Won't somebody believe I've a yen to see that Bay again? But when I try to leave Sweet opium won't let me fly away I need someone to love me Need somebody to carry me home to San Francisco And bury my body there That's the story of a very unfortunate colored man Who got arrested down in old Hong Kong He got twenty years privilege taken away from him When he kicked old Buddha's gong
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10 facts about this song
Composer"Hong Kong Blues" is a song composed by Hoagy Carmichael, an American composer and actor known for contributing to the development of popular songs in the 20th century.
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Inspiration"Hong Kong Blues" was inspired by Carmichael's own experiences in Hong Kong during his travels in 1937.
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OriginThe song was written originally for the 1944 Warner Brothers film "To Have And Have Not," where Carmichael himself performed it.
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Lyrics DetailThe lyrics of the song depict the story of a man who, after losing all his money gambling in Hong Kong, works at seedy bars to earn enough to return home, a typical theme of blues.
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Retrospective Success"Hong Kong Blues" didn't initially receive major commercial success but has since become a classic and is often included in compilations and retrospectives of Carmichael's work.
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Musical StyleThe song is a blend of oriental exotic elements and the melancholy of blues, reflecting Carmichael's innovative musical style.
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Cultural InfluenceDue to its unique style and interesting background, "Hong Kong Blues" has always held a fascination for cultural historians and music critics.
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Covers and PerformancesSeveral artists including George Harrison, Tom Waits, and Gerry Mulligan have covered "Hong Kong Blues" in their performances.
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Use in FilmBeyond its original use in "To Have And Have Not," "Hong Kong Blues" has been used in other films as well, including Woody Allen's film "Radio Days."
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Hoagy Carmichael's LegacyThough "Hong Kong Blues" is not Carmichael's most famous song, it is considered a part of his significant contribution to the American songbook and the development of popular music.
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Citation
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"Hong Kong Blues Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/916188/Hoagy+Carmichael/Hong+Kong+Blues>.
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