Lyrics & Themes
In the blues genre, self-expression is very important, as well as communication with the audience. Not only did the lyrics describe personal experiences of the musician, but also represented many of their peers’ life experiences. Whether the blues was sung to ease the burden of work, for spiritual reasons or for popular entertainment, the lyrics were written to express how the musician (or culture) felt. The oral tradition of African music led to many characteristics of blues lyrics, including repetition, rhyming, improvisation, symbols and metaphors. It was not uncommon for a musician to perform “their” song differently each time because they may not have felt the same way in each moment. Moreover, it was acceptable for singers to borrow lyrics or other musical elements for their own performances. Many times, metaphors and symbols were used in the lyrics to communicate with the audience. Unlike modern music of the 21st century, copyrights were not of a concern and instead, focused on the importance of expression and communication with the audience.
Throughout the development of the blues, themes remained similar and dealt with current hardships and struggles of the time period, region or personal situations. Commonly heard are themes dealing with spiritual beliefs, discrimination, injustice, relationships, violence and family. Typically in AAB form, lyrics express these themes through repetition of each line and a corresponding response.
In the blues genre, self-expression is very important, as well as communication with the audience. Not only did the lyrics describe personal experiences of the musician, but also represented many of their peers’ life experiences. Whether the blues was sung to ease the burden of work, for spiritual reasons or for popular entertainment, the lyrics were written to express how the musician (or culture) felt. The oral tradition of African music led to many characteristics of blues lyrics, including repetition, rhyming, improvisation, symbols and metaphors. It was not uncommon for a musician to perform “their” song differently each time because they may not have felt the same way in each moment. Moreover, it was acceptable for singers to borrow lyrics or other musical elements for their own performances. Many times, metaphors and symbols were used in the lyrics to communicate with the audience. Unlike modern music of the 21st century, copyrights were not of a concern and instead, focused on the importance of expression and communication with the audience.
Throughout the development of the blues, themes remained similar and dealt with current hardships and struggles of the time period, region or personal situations. Commonly heard are themes dealing with spiritual beliefs, discrimination, injustice, relationships, violence and family. Typically in AAB form, lyrics express these themes through repetition of each line and a corresponding response.
THE LYRICAL STRUCTURE
The lyrics of a 12-bar blues song often follow what's known as an AAB pattern. "A" refers to the first and second four-bar verse, and "B" is the third four-bar verse. In a 12-bar blues, the first and second lines are repeated, and the third line is a response to them—often with a twist.
Below is an example of a 12-bar blues stanza from "Dust My Broom," as performed by Elmore James, and broken down by bars (measures), beats, chords, and lyrics:
The lyrics of a 12-bar blues song often follow what's known as an AAB pattern. "A" refers to the first and second four-bar verse, and "B" is the third four-bar verse. In a 12-bar blues, the first and second lines are repeated, and the third line is a response to them—often with a twist.
Below is an example of a 12-bar blues stanza from "Dust My Broom," as performed by Elmore James, and broken down by bars (measures), beats, chords, and lyrics:
In each 12-bar stanza, the third four-bar segment (in the example above, the 9-12th bars), serves to resolve the previous four-bar segments. The resolution may signal the end of the song or set up another stanza. If the song continues, the transition to the next stanza is known as the turnaround. "Dust My Broom," for example, contains seven 12-bar stanzas, with a turnaround between each.
Another example is "Key Don't Fit" by Buddy Guy. Here are the lyrics:
My key don’t fit your lock When I try to put it in your door I said, my key won’t fit your lock When I try to walk it in your door I got this funny, funny feeling You don’t want me around no more |
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Notice how in BOTH songs, that the first line often presents an idea or issue, the second line repeats it (perhaps with a slight variation), and the third line develops or resolves the idea presented in the first and second lines.
Have a go at writing your OWN blues lyrics. Let's call it "Lockdown Blues."
What's something you can think of that you'd think would fit in a Blues song? See if you can put it in to writing just like traditional Blues artists!
Remember, The first two lines (A) & (A) should present the problem, while (B) presents the resolution or solution.
What's something you can think of that you'd think would fit in a Blues song? See if you can put it in to writing just like traditional Blues artists!
Remember, The first two lines (A) & (A) should present the problem, while (B) presents the resolution or solution.