125. Southern Can Is Mine

Blind Sammie (Columbia 14632-D, 1931 – b/w “Broke Down Engine Blues”);
composed by William Samuel McTier (a/k/a Blind Willie McTell)

I have no ready rationale for writing about a tune so egregiously misogynistic - even by the standards of a century ago - so it becomes more a matter of facing it squarely. The fact that it was written and recorded (twice – for two different labels) by one of the genius performers of that time does not make it less “problematic” (as we say now), because the song also exemplifies McTell’s uniqueness and power: the incredible rhythmic drive and volume he got on a 12-string guitar and the slippery rhythmic counterpoint of his voice. So why not just write about “Statesboro Blues”? Because it is tantalizing to wonder how McTell’s light tenor could make lyrics about threatening to beat up or pimp out his girlfriend if she holds out on the sex, which also sounds distinctly unpleasant (and for those just joining us, “southern can” = ass), sound almost . . . cute. Not that actual cuteness is in play, but even at his darkest McTell always sounded fun - like the thought of forbidden pleasures mattered most. In contrast, Skip James’ falsetto would have made these lyrics pitiless and bloodcurdling – he would have meant them and sounded like it.

Note: Secular essays about individual songs, each one exactly 200 words long, appearing one per day through Advant and at least semi-regularly until Donald goes away.