Don't you dare to strut

We’re moving from the 16^th Century to 1925 for today’s Advent entry. Because it’s Bessie Smith singing “At the Christmas Ball”.

Smith was known as the Empress of the Blues, which is a powerful statement, given that she died at the relatively young age of 43. I chose “At the Christmas Ball” because of Smith’s iconic status, but also because a lot of people get the blues during this season, and it seemed like they should be represented here.

The lyrics—well, they’re kind of all over the place. But I like the lines about not worrying too much if your dance partner “don’t act fair”, just look around, because there are plenty more around the dance hall.