"Downhearted Blues" is a blues song composed by Alberta Hunter and Lovie Austin. The first line immediately sets the theme for the song: "Gee but it's hard to love someone when that someone don't love you".Alberta Hunter used to sing it during her engagement at the Chicago Dreamland Cafe, where she performed with Joe "King" Oliver's band. She also made a recording of the song in 1922.It was recorded by blues singer Bessie Smith (vocal) and Clarence Williams (piano) February 16, 1923.