Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Ma Rainey
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Now, you heard the rest Ah, boys, I'm gonna show you the best Ma Rainey's gonna show you her black bottom Way down south in Alabamy I got a friend, they call dancin' Sammy Who's crazy about all the latest dances Black bottom stomps and the Jew baby prances The other night at a swell affair Soon as the boys found out that I was there They said, "Come on, Ma let's go to the cabaret" Where that band you ought to hear me say" I want to see that dance you call the black bottom I wanna learn that dance Don't you see the dance you call your big black bottom That'll put you in a trance All the boys in the neighborhood They say your black bottom is really good Come on and show me your black bottom I want to learn that dance I want to see the dance you call the black bottom I want to learn that dance Come on and show that dance you call your big black bottom It puts you in a trance Early last morning 'bout the break of day Grandpa told my grandma, I heard him say Get up and show your old man your black bottom I want to learn that dance Now I'm gonna show y'all my black bottom They stay to see that dance Wait until you see me do my big black bottom I'll put you in a trance Ah, do it ma, do it, honey Look it now Ma, you gettin' kinda rough here You gotta be yourself now, careful now Not too strong, not too strong, Ma I done shown y'all my black bottom You ought to learn that dance
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10 facts about this song
Title Classification"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is considered to be one of the most iconic songs in the genre of classic blues.
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Historical SignificanceIt was recorded in December 1927 by Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, one of the first professional African American blues singers.
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Lyrics ClassificationThe song's lyrics are imbued with highly significant cultural and historical connotations, speaking to the experiences of African Americans in early 20th century America. It uses metaphorical language to evoke ideas about race, society, and hardship.
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Recording and ProductionThe song was recorded and published by Paramount Records, which was one of the leading companies in producing and distributing blues music during the 1920s.
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Musical InstrumentsThe instrumental ensemble for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" included banjo, tuba, and trumpet, representing the traditional instruments used in blues music during this era.
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Influence on Popular CultureThe song has significantly influenced contemporary culture. Notably, it was the title inspiration for the August Wilson play, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", which was later adapted into a Netflix film.
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Vocal PerformanceRainey's powerful and emotive vocal performance on this track has been widely praised and is considered a great example of the "classic blues" singing style.
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Song DurationThe song lasts just over three minutes, which was typical for recorded music in the 1920s due to the technical limitations of records at the time.
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Use in Media Today"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" continues to be used in media today. It features prominently in the 2020 Netflix adaptation of the aforementioned play, in which Viola Davis stars as Ma Rainey.
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Legacy and RecognitionThe influence and general staying power of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" solidify its position as an indispensable classic in the blues genre and as a significant historical artifact of African American cultural expression.
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Citation
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"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/16437799/Ma+Rainey/Ma+Rainey%27s+Black+Bottom>.
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