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

Chet Baker – “Almost Blue”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4PKzz81m5c

“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


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

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” Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"
Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part One – My Lyrics Posts 3~30”
Vocab-Ability – "Introduction to Vocab-Ability"
Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part One – Notes 1~50"
(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 2"
Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part Two – My Lyrics Posts 31~60”
Vocab-Ability – "Index" to all Chapters and Sections
Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part Two – Notes 51~87"