The song “Prove It On Me Blues” by Ma Rainey has the obvious aspects of a blues song as well as a level of uniqueness, which surprised me while listening. The first three lines seem to follow the typical AAB 12 bar blues form, but after that the song breaks off and begins what sounds like an ABAB structure that carries through until the end. This change seems to make the song different from others. One aspect of the accompaniment was very interesting and sounded almost like someone was spitting into a microphone on each count starting after the first refrain.  Following regular blues form the melody was very upbeat and almost happy sounding while the lyrics were depressing.  Blue notes were prevalent throughout.

The lyrical makeup of the song was what really surprised me. At fist glance I assumed to song was about her preference of women over men and maybe even her lesbianism. She talks about dressing in men’s clothing, being with one woman, and that she wants the whole world to know what she’s doing. However I find it hard to believe the topic was being discussed in 1924 when even in 2009 the gay and lesbian community face extreme scrutiny. This point along with the melodic makeup of “Prove It On Me Blues” makes it a very entertaining song to listen to.