"Black Coffee" is a song performed by Julie London, released in 1955. The lyrics depict a somber and lonely narrative of a person who is feeling isolated and heartbroken. They are unable to sleep and pass their time by walking back and forth, anxiously waiting for someone who doesn't seem to come around. The song compares love to a tasteless, leftover beverage, symbolizing the speaker's disillusionment and disappointment in their romantic relationship. They long for the warmth and comfort of a Sunday-like love, but they are stuck in a weekday room, suggesting a monotonous and unfulfilling existence. The protagonist finds solace in black coffee, which becomes a metaphor for their emotional state. They talk to the shadows, reminiscing about better times and feeling the weight of time passing slowly. The reference to pouring coffee represents their attempt to distract themselves and fill the void left by the blues that have caught their eye. The song touches upon the societal expectations placed on men and women. The narrator implies that men are born to seek love, while women are expected to stay home, tend to domestic duties, and suppress their regrets. Coffee and cigarettes are seen as vices used to drown out past mistakes and regrets. The protagonist feels trapped and decides to leave in the morning, consumed by the sadness of the night. Nicotine becomes their only companion during this period of waiting, highlighting their lack of emotional strength to fight and move on. The longing for their lover's return and the hope for a change in their current state is expressed throughout the lyrics. Overall, "Black Coffee" portrays a melancholic story of heartbreak, loneliness, and longing for rekindling a lost love. The song captures the emotional struggle and desperation of someone trying to cope with their shattered dreams and the emptiness of their everyday life.
