True Blue Lou
| PROFILE | |
| Composer | Richard Whiting |
| Lyricist | Sam Coslow, Leo Robin |
| Year Written | 1929 |
| About True Blue Lou | |
| “True Blue Lou” was written for the 1929 musical film The Dance of Life, an adaptation of the Broadway play Burlesque. The song was sung in the film by Hal Skelly, in the role of an out-of-work burlesque comedian. “True Blue Lou” was a standard song for Ethel Waters, who sang it throughout her career. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, Frank Sinatra also recorded it in the 1950s. | |
Lyrics
Down in the poolroom
Some of the gang were
Talking of gals they knew
Women are all the same, said Joe
Then one dizzy bird
Said, pal, ain’t you heard
The story of True Blue Lou
Listen and get an earful, Joe
While I remind you she was
A dame in love with a guy
She stuck to him
But didn’t know why
Everyone blamed her
Still they all named her
True Blue Lou
He gave her nothing
She gave him all
But when he had
His back to the wall
Who fought to save him
Smiled and forgave him
True Blue Lou
He got a break and went
Away to get a new start
But poor kid, she never got a break
Except the one way
Down in her heart
Maybe somewhere
In heaven up above
There’s a reward
For that kind of love
Angels won’t blame her
They too will name her
True Blue Lou
Session / Album Information
1963
“True Blue Lou” was recorded on April 24, 1963 and released in 1963 on the album This Is All I Ask. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.
This recording released on:
- 1963: Columbia 45: 4-42820
- 1963: Columbia LP 12″: CS 8856 — This Is All I Ask
- 1963: Columbia LP 12″ (Mono): CL 2056 — This Is All I Ask
- 1994: Columbia House Music Collection CD: C22 8430 — The Great American Composers: Leo Robin
- 1994: Smithsonian CD: RD 048-22 — American Songbook Series: Richard Whiting
- 1996: Smithsonian Collection CD: A 24571 — American Songbook Series: Richard Whiting
- 1996: Smithsonian Collection CD: 4822 — American Songbook Series: Richard Whiting
- 2011: Disc #27 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK26) This Is All I Ask