Saturday, December 18, 2021

Don't you dare to strut

We’re moving from the 16th 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.


 

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