Ma Rainey's Black Bottom | Speaking of Ma Rainey/Talking about the Blues
In the following essay, Sandra Adell provides background on the real Ma Rainey, and explores the theme of blues music as release from oppression in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
I’ve traveled ’Til I’m tired
And I ain’t satisfied
I’ve traveled ’til I’m tired
And I ain’t satisfied
If I don’t find my sweet man
I’ll ramble ’til I die
Ah Lawdy Lawd Lawd Lawdy
Lawd Lawdy Lawd lawd Lawd
Ah Lawdy Lawd lawd lawdy
Lawd lawdy lawd lawd lawd
Lawd lawdy Lawd Lawd Lawd
Lawd Lawdy lawd lawd lawd
—‘‘Slow Drivin’ Moan’’ by
Gertrude (Ma) Rainey
Oh Ma Rainey
Sing yo’ song;
Now you’s back
Whah you belong,
Git way...
[The entire page is 6429 words long]
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