The lyrics relate the sad musings of a man who has abandoned love – making this the most appropriate interpretation.

Chet Baker – “Almost Blue”

“Almost Blue” (1987 – original from 1982)

“Almost Blue”  was originally recorded in 1982 by Elvis Costello and the Attractions. This version was recorded by US jazz trumpeter Chet Baker for the documentary of Baker’s life and career, “Let’s Get Lost.” 

Mostly Pop, Almost Blues

While this is a jazz version of what is generally seen to be a pop song, the music has a very bluesy texture. That alone makes it the most appropriate interpretation, as the lyrics relate the sad musings of a man who has lost love, or maybe abandoned love. Consequently, he is submerged in regret. 

A Circle of Inspiration

In an interesting series of coincidences, Costello got the inspiration to write this song in 1982, after hearing a jazz version of the classic blues song “The Thrill is Gone”  – a version by none other than Chet Baker.

In 1983, Costello invited Baker to play a solo on his album “Punch the Clock.”   

In 1987, Baker produced this cover of the Costello song that had been inspired by Baker’s cover of another song.   _{(Image source)}

Chet Baker

Chet Baker was a US jazz trumpeter and vocalist. When still a child, he received a trumpet from his father. He fell in love with the instrument, and within a few weeks, was playing competently.  

To Hell with Film – There’s Music to be Played

Baker came to prominence in the 1950s, playing with such great jazz musicians as Charlie Parker and Stan Getz.

In 1955, he acted in the film “Hell’s Horizon,”  and was subsequently offered a contract with a film studio. He declined, as he much preferred life as a musician.

Throughout most of his career, Baker dealt with drug addiction. In the late 1970s, he moved to Europe. Thereafter, he spent most of his time living and playing music on the continent, until his passing in 1988.   _{(Image source)}

Almost blue
Almost doing things we used to do
There's a girl here, and she's almost you
Almost all the things that your eyes once promised
I see in hers, too
Now your eyes are red from crying

Almost blue
Flirting with this disaster became me
It named me as the fool who only aimed to be

Almost blue
It's almost touching, it will almost do
There's a part of me that's always true ... always
Not all good things come to an end
Now it is only a chosen few
I've seen such an unhappy couple

Almost me
Almost you
Almost blue

        Elvis Costello – “Almost Blue”    
          _{(Right-click to hear on YouTube)}

Lyrics by Elvis Costello, courtesy of – AZLyrics.com
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – Wikipedia
Reference – SongMeanings.com

Into your ears … through 5 channels

 The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}
         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)
         2 – “Cover Versions”
         3 – “Honor Roll”
         4 – “Documentaries”
         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”

More “Cover Versions – Music to Your Ears” ...

          Previous posts in this series – "Cover Versions 1–20"  

Links to my other series ...

          Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"
          Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"

          Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part One – My Lyrics Posts 3~30”
          Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part Two – My Lyrics Posts 31~60”  

          Vocab-Ability – "Introduction to Vocab-Ability"  
          Vocab-Ability – "Index"  to all Chapters and Sections  

          Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part One – Notes 1~50"  
          Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part Two – Notes 51~87"