Emily Jane White is an American 'dark folk' singer-songwriter from Californ… Read Full Bio ↴Emily Jane White is an American 'dark folk' singer-songwriter from California. From a beginning in 2006, she released her debut album in 2007, a follow-up in 2009, and her third album in 2011. Influenced by American blues, folk, and the mythologies of different cultures along with contemporary female singer/songwriters such as Kate Bush, she has been compared to Chan Marshall of Cat Power and Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star. While such comparisons to contemporaries are frequent, White's music owes a clear debt to classic female jazz and blues singers such as Billie Holiday.

White's haunted blues quickly found a home on Oakland's Double Negative Records with them only hearing her four-track demo. Fooling around with music since pre-school, White started on piano around the same time she learned to read, eventually picking up the guitar during her college days.

After graduation White moved to Bordeaux, France, where she performed with a bevy of independent French artists further honing her songwriting skills. Upon returning stateside, she moved to SF and began recording four-track demos formulating the songs that would ultimately become her debut album, Dark Undercoat.

Her second album entitled Victorian America was released in 2009 in France (and in 2010 in the U.S.). it was written largely in San Francisco and Oakland.

Her third album entitled Ode to Sentience was released in 2011.

www.emilyjanewhite.com

Bessie Smith
Emily Jane White Lyrics

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I said oh oh, Bessie Smith why do you hang your head so low?
I would die in heaven just to meet your soul.
I said oh oh, Bessie Smith why do you hang your head so low?
I would die in heaven, I would die in heaven just to meet your…

Shot to the ego boy it's where this knife runs through,
Three wise men call Bessie down for a dual,
Shot to the ego boy it's where this knife runs through,

Three wise men call Bessie down for a dual.

I said oh oh, father lay me down,
Down on this sunken ground,
I said oh oh, father lay me down,
Down on this sunken ground.

But she's got a crucifix hidin' way down in this pit, oh
If you wish to call her out,
Call her with your bravest shout,

I said oh oh, father lay me down,
Down on this sunken ground,
I said oh oh, father lay me down,
Down on this sunken ground.

I said oh oh Bessie Smith why do you hang your head so low?
I would die in heaven, I would die in heaven, I would die in heaven just to meet your soul.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Emily Jane White's song "Bessie Smith" invoke a sense of reverence and admiration for the titular blues singer. The opening lines ask why Bessie Smith, who is often seen as a figure of strength and resilience in the face of adversity, appears to be hanging her head low. The singer then declares that they would do anything to meet her soul, suggesting that Bessie Smith's art has deeply touched them on a spiritual level.

The second verse takes a darker turn, with the imagery of a knife stabbing at the ego and three wise men calling Bessie down for a duel. This could be a reference to the intense competition and rivalry that existed within the blues and jazz scenes of the early 20th century, particularly among female musicians. Despite the violence implied in these lines, the singer remains focused on their admiration for Bessie and their desire to meet her.

The final verse brings in religious imagery, with a reference to a hidden crucifix and a call to "call her with your bravest shout." This could be interpreted as a plea for strength and guidance from Bessie Smith's spirit, particularly in times of hardship or struggle. Overall, the song seems to be a tribute to the enduring legacy of Bessie Smith and the impact she had on generations of musicians and fans.

Line by Line Meaning

I said oh oh, Bessie Smith why do you hang your head so low?
The singer is questioning why Bessie Smith appears to be sad and downtrodden.

I would die in heaven just to meet your soul.
The singer admires Bessie Smith so much that they would be willing to die just to meet her essence or spirit.

Shot to the ego boy it's where this knife runs through,
Someone's ego has been wounded and they are experiencing emotional pain.

Three wise men call Bessie down for a dual,
Three men are challenging Bessie to a battle or competition of some sort.

I said oh oh, father lay me down,
The artist is asking for guidance or support from a higher power.

Down on this sunken ground,
The singer is feeling low or depressed, and wants to be comforted or grounded.

But she's got a crucifix hidin' way down in this pit, oh
Bessie has something sacred and personal hidden inside of her that she keeps guarded and secret.

If you wish to call her out,
If someone wants to confront or challenge Bessie in some way,

Call her with your bravest shout,
they must do so with courage and confidence.

I said oh oh Bessie Smith why do you hang your head so low?
The artist repeats their initial question, still seeking understanding of Bessie's perceived sadness.

I would die in heaven, I would die in heaven, I would die in heaven just to meet your soul.
The singer reiterates their deep admiration for Bessie and desire to connect with her on a spiritual level.

Contributed by Noah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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