I found that the song contains the form A, A, B , A and the B line is used to catch the listener’s attention. Important words to the plot of the song such as “beat, mistreat, and low down alligator” can be found in the B lines. Her ultimate point can also be found in the final B line when she threatens her subject that she will take vengeance upon him “sooner or later” and during this point there is also an influx in her voice and her pitch changes. This change reinforces her message and the instrumentals used in the piece change with her. The instrumentals also stop at a certain point to emphasize that the man’s wrong doings and bring attention to the fact that he “[took] all [her] money, [blackened] both of [her] eyes, [gave] it to another woman, [came] home and [told her] lies”. This empty air leaves room for the listener to hear ‘Ma’ Rainy’s lyrics describing her troubles as a woman in the late 19^th century.

Sarah Cohen

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. 

“But if I know that woman that caused my heart to moan

I’d cook a special dinner, invite her to my home

…………………………………………….………

If she eats on my table, she will be graveyard bound

I’ll be right there to tell her, when they put her in the ground

You’re the cause of me having those wringin’ and a-twistin’ blues.’”

The melody has a distinct blue note that sums up her loss. The accompaniment has a wonderful texture with the chords and notes that in all produce a longing rhythm. This song demonstrates the relationship between men and women, but especially women and women. Her love had another woman on the side and her first reaction is not to blame her man, it is to get revenge on the woman who stole him away. It exemplifies the violence and competition between women.  The relationship between the man and woman is that he is not responsible the other woman is, allowing him to get off easy because it is only the women’s fault. This song demonstrates perfectly the anguish and hatred that this woman experienced. Ma Rainey exemplifies all the defining characteristics of the blues through this song.

Melissa Stoll

I chose “St. Louis Blues” because I feel that it was a great example of a common theme in its time. The strong emotions and the lifestyles of the middle class tied together with love and relationships. This song allowed for Billie Holiday to express herself and affirm the dominant middle-class ideology.

Rainey’s lyrics are powerful in that she is not afraid to voice that she is a powerful woman that can tend to a female just as a male can and is unashamed about. She even boasts about the way she talks to females “just like any old man.” Her tone in this lyric is one of a “hahahaha bet you didn’t know I could do that?!”  Rainey is almost daring someone to say something to her about it or questions her actions in her decision to play the role of what is normally understood to be the role of the male species.  The comfort level that Rainey has with speaking on this topic is very present in her tone of voice while singing it as well as in her lyrics. What makes the song stronger however is the lack of male presence in the song. Not one time in the song are we introduced to male character that has any say so or welcomed opinion about the main woman’s involvement with someone of her same sex.

Though Rainey’s attitude about may seem a bit bold, a few of today’s contemporary artist can be found speaking on the same exact topics however in a more or less welcoming setting. Female artist such as rapper Nicki Minaj openly speak about there sexuality just as Rainey did with lyrics like, “She so fuckin fine that I touched her up again, told her last time she can bring her other friend,” from “Girls Kissing Girls” by Nicki Minaj.  In contrast, however, lesbian relationships seem to be hyper sexualized, by male artist and other matriarchal controlled media. Many male perspective songs and other forms of media serve as a tool toward this hyper-sexualization by inviting themselves and creating what is called a ménage à trios, or threesome. For example, in Lil Wayne’s recent song “Every Girl” featuring Drake, the line “are any of ya’ll into girls, lesbiahonest (let’s be honest),” almost takes away the ownership lesbian women should have over their identity. In comparison however I like to think that despite time differences and generation gaps that both Minaj and Rainey were just requesting acceptance of loving whomever they desire to love. 

The first verse seems to be A A’ A, and she uses her voice to introduce the listener to the overview of her situation.  The second verse, B B B, explains to us that she isn’t happy with what is going on and knows that tomorrow will be just like today is, sad.  The third verse, A A B C, she gets a higher pitch to show emotion towards the other woman that her man has left her for; also, she changes her pitch between the double “nowhere”. The fourth verse, B B B, she emphasizes St. Louis and then keeps the same level pitch throughout the rest of the verse.

The recurring theme is men in her life who treat her badly. It is shown through the gloomy tone of her voice. The sad tone carries through the rest of the piece. In the last stanza of the song her singing gets louder and it is almost as if she is crying out. The form is ‘ABABA’, it keeps a constant beat to the song almost like a question and response. You can hear the melody build up and drop at the end of each phrase giving the song more of a blues feeling. Something else I noticed is the banjo or string instrument in the background is not very loud. All attention is on the message Ma Rainey is trying to get out to her audience.

Musically, we have learned that blues has an AA’B format. To me this song stays true to the format and is very apparent in the first verse. I do feel that the song doesn’t change much in melody, but the way Ma Rainey sings it shows deeper emotion as the song progresses. The melody or tune of the song matches perfectly to the lyrics.

The song models the standard ABAB format, followed by a chorus. What was interesting to find was that although the song apparently addresses the sensitive issues of relationships through its lyrics, the upbeat nature of its melody does not necessarily fit. While one would assume the song to have a more somber melody because of the immoral actions expressed in the lyrics, this fact is somewhat masked behind the cheerful melody accompanying it.