Meaning of "Little Boy Blue" by Holly Cole

"Little Boy Blue" by Holly Cole captures the essence of heartbreak and betrayal through the use of classic nursery rhyme references and clever wordplay. The lyrics tell the story of a man, referred to as Little Boy Blue, who is mourning the loss of his lover and the promises that were broken. The nursery rhymes referenced, such as "Little Bo Peep" and "Hey Diddle Diddle," add a layer of nostalgia and innocence to the narrative, contrasting sharply with the themes of loss and disillusionment. The repeated call for Little Boy Blue to blow his horn and make noise signifies the need to let out his emotions and move on from the pain he is feeling. Overall, the song explores the complexities of relationships, the sting of abandonment, and the struggle to come to terms with a broken heart.