Leadbelly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night"

In Leadbellys version of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” I immediately notice the tone of Leadbellys voice.  He expresses his lyrics in a deep yet yearning voice and at times it sounds like he is pleading to his girl.  Also, at times Leadbelly improvises between lyrics in a some what ‘call and response’ manner.  Throughout the song, Leadbellys expression stays the same- he has the same tone of voice and music is constant though out the song.  But, when Leadbelly is singing about how he died he switches from the first person (I) to the third person (he) even though his tone sounds the same through out the song.  Also, I noticed that when he sings the word ‘shiver’ he crescendos.  The pitch stays relatively the same through out the piece, but at the end of lines “My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me Tell me where did you sleep last night” the pitch seems to drop down.  The accompaniment was not overpowering during the song.  The main focus was Leadbellys voice with the slow and simple sounding accompaniment in the background, which added some texture to the song.  I feel myself still humming this melody, due to the fact that it is simple and the form of the song is ABAB so it is easy to remember and hum along to. 

-Vanessa

Comments

[AmyMayper]

In your posts, many of you considered the effect Lead Belly’s spoken interjections had on the authenticity or lack thereof in his version of “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” Christopher Yoshonis made an interesting point when he noted the Jazz influence in Lead Belly’s interjections, implying that they detracted authenticity. Check out Christopher’s post here: (http://benleedscarson.com/by-banks-in-pines/2009/10/10/lead-bellys-in-the-pines.html). Hannah Sherman, on the other hand, felt that these interjections increased authenticity as they reflected what Lead Belly “felt and experienced.” Take a look at Hannah’s post here: (http://benleedscarson.com/by-banks-in-pines/2009/10/9/where-did-you-sleep-last-night-by-leadbelly.html). Using these examples as a springboard, what effect do you think Lead Belly’s spoken interjections have on the song’s authenticity and on the song in general? Why do you think Lead Belly chose to speak the specific lines that he did, as opposed to any other lines? And looking at the topic in broader terms, what effect do you think spoken interjections have on songs today? Feel free to post youtube links to examples of present-day songs featuring spoken interjections and to discuss these examples with your classmates!

[CarolynChan]

I came up with a very simlar analysis of the song. I think the fact that the song is repetitive and simple creates the tension that is extraordinary. The fact that he remains in the same note almost thoughout he song makes
it chilling, almost like someone with no remorse, or feelings makes this song sad.
Also, consider how Lead Belly's background (murderer) might influence the reaction to the song.

[KatherinePasternack]

Vanessa, I agree with almost every aspect of your analysis. Especially at the end, saying that you found yourself humming this song. I was worried i wouldn't remember the song well because i listened to it and wrote my response a week ago but because it is in fact a catchy simple song, I do remember it well. I can hear it in my head right now and surprisingly even know some lyrics. Also, Carolyn's comment to your response got me thinking that maybe she is right and Lead Belly doesn't have remorse, which is why he sings pretty much the entire song in the same tone.