Got my feathers burned Got my lesson learned Guess that I was born to lose Take it straight from me Love is misery, listen while I sing the blues Ain't it a shame He had to go and grieve me Some other dame Has made him up to leave me That's how it happens A nightingale can sing the blues I'll put it straight He's got his self a new bird Gave me the gate And now I'm just a blue bird That's how it happens A nightingale can sing the blues He can take me and forsake me Just as quick as that When there's someone new in town But I'm bettin', he'll be frettin' For his old job back When his brand new lady love has let him down You take my word There ain't no use a-preachin' I got a bird who's gonna get some teachin' Then he'll discover A nightingale can sing the blues That's how it happens A nightingale can sing the blues