Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Singin’ the Blues”

In this activity, students will analyze the original lyrics of “Black Bottom” to write their own creative version of the song that reflects their own lives.

To model the original text, utilize a chart such as this one that includes the original lines of lyrics. Create your own version right beside each line:

“Black Bottom” / “Title”

Way down south in Alabamy / Way out west in Californy

I got a friend they call dancing Sammy / I got a boyfriend they call lyin’ Jimmy

Who’s crazy about all the latest dances / Whose lyin’ lips kiss mine

After creating your own lyrics, discuss in a brief journal entry the meaning behind your choices. Reflect on and evaluate any literary devices you employed. If time allows, share your lyrics with the class and offer feedback to peers on the effectiveness of their work.

Teaching Suggestion: It may be necessary to point out that students may change and adjust details of the original text as needed. Although they are modeling the original lyrics, their version does not need to be exact.