Ma Rainey's "Dream Blues"

In analyzing “Dream Blues” by Ma Rainey I was able to see many elements that we have been discussing in class stand out. The lyrics are expressed in a manner that completely defines blues of the time. She begins the song by explaining her dream, a concept that should seem somewhat peaceful, but then goes on to explain the severity of her dream. Even though it seems she has come to accept her reality she continuously mentions how life can be unbearable. The expression changes from one part of the song to another in the sense that she starts out by describing her dream and then goes on to mention the pain from her childhood dealing with her father that continues on to the present because of this “dream”.

         If I’m not mistaken I believe the form of the song A B A B. This helps the song maintain its constant rhythm as well as the tone. The entire song revolves around one main issue in the singers life therefore there are no new melody’s that need to be brought in to express change in the singers attitude. She presents longing for her mother while stressing the severity of the situation and the fact that she’ll die if she doesn’t go back home. The fact that the song has no real change in pitch and that it is one constant melody flow puts a little more emphasis on the actual words and what the singer is trying to get through to the audience about her life.

Comments

[BethRatay]

This conflict between the idea that a dream is usually peaceful, and the fact that this dream obviously is not, is interesting, and perhaps you could think a little more about that. Do you think that what is happening in the dream is an expression of reality, or of what the singer fears might happen?

Could you clarify how you are perceiving the form by stating which lyrics are set to "A" and which lyrics are set to "B"? Also, when the word Mama is used in this type of music, it can refer to any woman, not necessarily someone's mom.

You may want to read Rosanna's post, which is about the same song:
http://benleedscarson.com/ma-rainey-and-bessie-smith/2009/10/10/dream-blues.html
Perhaps you could discuss the relation of the dream to reality and the struggle that the woman in the song is having with her, since you both seem to have similar ideas.

[BethRatay]

Many of you that wrote about “Dream Blues” and “Black Eye Blues” mentioned the portrayal of women in abusive relationships. Do you think the women in these songs are strong or weak? What part of the music makes you feel that way? (the lyrics, the singer’s expression, the instruments, etc.) Are these songs meant as a warning to the listener or are they meant for commiseration between women in the same situation? or both? Here are three posts that address some of these questions well. Please comment on one of the posts to add your thoughts to the discussion.

http://benleedscarson.com/ma-rainey-and-bessie-smith/2009/10/10/dream-blues.html
http://benleedscarson.com/ma-rainey-and-bessie-smith/ma-rainey-dream-blues.html
http://benleedscarson.com/ma-rainey-and-bessie-smith/what-it-means-to-have-the-black-eye-blues.html

[MelissaStoll]

I agree that the rhythm is maintained well through its A B A B form and I think you could have gone into a little more depth on how it refects her life. I feel like that representation is vitally important to the overall meaning of the song. You do a good job explaining the consistancy of the harmony and pitch.