Southern Blues
Ma Rainey Lyrics


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House catch on fire and ain't no water 'round
If your house catch on fire, ain't no water 'round
Throw your trunk out the window, building, burn on down
I went to that gypsy to have my fortune told
I went to that gypsy to have my fortune told
He said, "Doggone you girlie, doggone your bad luck soul"
I turned around, went to that gypsy next door
I turned around, went to that gypsy next door
He said, "You'll get a man anywhere you'll go"
Let me be your rag doll until your Chinee comes
Let me be your rag doll till your Chinee comes




If she beats me ragging
, she's got to rag it some

Overall Meaning

In the song "Southern Blues" by Ma Rainey, the lyrics describe the struggles and hardships faced by people living in the South. The first verse talks about the danger of house fires and the lack of resources available to put them out. If someone's house catches on fire and there is no water nearby, the only option is to throw their trunk out the window and watch the building burn down. This vivid imagery shows the desperation and helplessness of those living in poverty.


The second verse tells the story of Ma Rainey going to a gypsy to have her fortune told. The gypsy tells her that she has a "bad luck soul," which implies that her future is not bright. The repetition of the phrase "doggone you girlie" emphasizes the negative energy the gypsy is projecting onto Ma Rainey. Undeterred, Ma Rainey goes to another gypsy who tells her she will find a man wherever she goes. This contrasts with the first gypsy's predictions and shows that different people have different opinions on one's fate.


Overall, "Southern Blues" is a reflection of the struggles faced by people living in poverty and the ways in which they try to cope with their difficulties.


Line by Line Meaning

House catch on fire and ain't no water 'round
If your house catches on fire and there's no water nearby


Throw your trunk out the window, building, burn on down
Throw your trunk out of the window and let your building burn down


I went to that gypsy to have my fortune told
I went to a fortune teller to learn about my future


He said, 'Doggone you girlie, doggone your bad luck soul'
He insulted me by saying I had bad luck


I turned around, went to that gypsy next door
I went to another fortune teller nearby


He said, 'You'll get a man anywhere you'll go'
He predicted that I would find a man anywhere I went


Let me be your rag doll until your Chinee comes
Let me be your lover until your Chinese lover arrives


If she beats me ragging, she's got to rag it some
If she beats me at lovemaking, she has to work hard at it




Contributed by Lauren H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Norman Clarke

Priceles!

neilybuds

The real deal - it just moves you - really

🏵️Flor de Guayacán🏵️

C o o l <3

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