Janis Ian - Belle Of The Blues Lyrics






I'm the belle of the blues, and it's easy to see
If I win or I lose, it's all one to me
I was born on a shelf in the rare books library
I reside by myself with my books and my T.V.

I'm an old age pension for the fossilized routine
Anybody for nostalgia, put a record on and see
Here's a memory of olden days
And a heartbreak grown cold
All that glitters isn't gold
You get no love for free

You live and you die
And I'll probably throw it away
But in the end it's mine
And nobody has a right to say
"Go down lightly - go down silently"
I'll go down screaming
"Give it back - it belongs to me"

I'm the belle of the blues - I'm used to mingling
With the crème de la crème of higher society
I promise them roses, and an eight-by-ten of me
But when the party's over
They're all too glad to leave

Their children sing of sorrow
It's the same old routine
They've begged and they've borrowed
Someone else's misery

It's an easy act to follow
At least, an easy one for me
Give me my tomorrows
You can have my memories

Souvenirs from an old-fashioned school
Plays coquette on the pillow
Like an old-fashioned fool
Go down lightly
Go down silently
You go down lonely
You go down like me





Other Lyrics by Artist

Rand Lyrics

Last Posts

Janis Ian Belle Of The Blues Comments
  1. K.... Y....

    I followed her ever since I was 16 years old when I first heard of her and it's 17 I was turning 17 it was just like my song and every song afterwards my sister said I was born with a broken heart maybe so I love this BluesI've collected every album ever CD every take every everything that I could Janis Ian she has such a tremendous talent to the wonderful gift and she really touches my heart I would absolutely be stoked to meet her someday maybe I'll have to go to Nashville

    K.... Y....

    Was blessed to meet her at an event at a church in downtown Detroit some years ago. Shook her hand and spent a moment in her presence. She is a lovely and beautiful person. This one is one of my tops in the same love everything energy of you Karen.

  2. J.... d....

    I guess it is Janis herself playing the piano!

  3. P.... M....

    Hi mrbo23, I'm trying to figure out the chords for this song but get stuck in a few parts. Could you send me what works for you? Much appreciated if you can...just need up to ...books and my TV. Thanks.

    P.... M....

    The sheet music is available on her website.

  4. m.... ....

    Who played that Piano ? Anybody knows?

    m.... ....

    +mrbo23 Janis played piano on the album Aftertones altho I'm not sure of this song specifically... Sounds like her... :)

    m.... ....

    susie hughes Thank You . i just figured out the chords. Actually its not as difficult as it sounds

    m.... ....

    +mrbo23 that's great.... sure blends together nicely.... :)

    m.... ....

    Original inner sleeve says Janis Ian on piano for this song

  5. c.... ....

    One of the great things about Nashville, Tennessee is that Genius' like this one just 'hang out' at clubs & get up & jam all the time
    this song is amazing!

  6. B.... D....

    mine too, though it took me 25 years t track it down! thanks for posting this obscurity

  7. Y.... ....

    One of my favorite blues tunes of all time!

    She sure could belt 'em out when she needed to, couldn't she?