Birth of the Blues
Origin of Melancholic Rhythms: Birth of the Blues Explained
Lyrics
Oh, they say some people long ago
Refers to people from the past.
Were searching for a different tune
They were seeking a unique melody.
One that they could croon
A melody suitable for singing.
As only they can
Expressing the distinctive style of certain individuals.
They only had the rhythm
They only possessed the rhythm initially.
So they started swaying to and fro
Started moving rhythmically.
They didn't know just what to use
Uncertain about the tools or instruments to use.
That is how the blues really began
This confusion marked the true origin of the blues.
They heard the breeze in the trees
They listened to natural sounds like the breeze in the trees.
Singing weird melodies
The wind produced unconventional tunes.
And they made that the start of the blues
They adopted these melodies as the foundation of the blues.
And from a jail came the wail
The cry of a sorrowful person from a jail.
Of a down-hearted frail
A lament from a depressed and weak individual.
And they played that
They incorporated this cry into the blues.
As part of the blues
Further integration of emotions into the blues.
From a whippoorwill
Referencing the sound of a whippoorwill on a hill.
Out on a hill
They discovered a new musical note.
They took a new note
Transformed and refined the note.
Pushed it through a horn
Used a horn to amplify and express it.
Til it was worn
Repeatedly played until it gained a distinct quality.
Into a blue note
Resulting in a recognizable "blue note."
And then they nursed it, rehearsed it
Carefully nurtured and practiced the blues.
And gave out the news
Shared the blues with others.
That the southland gave birth to the blues!
Acknowledging the southern origin of the blues.
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