The Meaning Behind The Song: Levee Camp Blues by Washboard Sam
Levee Camp Blues by Washboard Sam is a traditional blues song that tells a story about the hardships of being a levee camp worker in the 1920s and 1930s. The song was written and recorded by Washboard Sam, an American blues musician who was born in Mississippi in 1910. His real name was Robert Brown, but he became famous as Washboard Sam due to his trademark instrument – a washboard that he played as a percussion instrument in his band.
The lyrics of Levee Camp Blues are simple and straight to the point. The song describes the harsh living conditions of the people who worked in the levee camps, which were temporary work sites that were set up along the riverbanks to build, maintain, and repair levees and other water control structures. The workers were predominantly African Americans who were recruited from nearby towns and cities to work on the levees during the flood season.
Washboard Sam’s song portrays the workers as being trapped in a cycle of poverty and hard labor, with little hope of escaping their situation. The song’s narrator complains about the long hours, the back-breaking work, and the meager wages that they receive. He talks about the dangers of working on the levees, where accidents and floods are a constant threat. The song also alludes to the racism and discrimination that the workers faced from their employers and the local authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Levee Camp Blues
1. What is the historical context behind Levee Camp Blues?
Levee Camp Blues was written and recorded during the Great Depression, a period of economic hardship and social upheaval in the United States that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s. At this time, many people were already struggling to make ends meet, and the flooding that often occurred along the Mississippi River made their lives even more difficult. The song reflects the social and economic conditions of the time, as well as the racial tension that existed in the South.
2. What was the purpose of the levee camps?
The levee camps were temporary work sites that were set up by the government to recruit workers to build and maintain levees along the Mississippi River. The goal was to prevent floods and protect the nearby communities from damage. The camps were mostly staffed by African American workers who were recruited from nearby towns and cities. They were paid very low wages and had to endure harsh living conditions.
3. Who was Washboard Sam?
Washboard Sam was an American blues musician who was born in Mississippi in 1910. He gained fame as a blues singer, songwriter, and washboard player in the 1930s and 1940s. He recorded over 170 songs in his lifetime and influenced many other blues musicians with his unique style.
4. What is a washboard?
A washboard is a traditional musical instrument that is made from a ridged metal or wooden board. It was originally used by people to wash clothes, but it was also used as a percussion instrument in blues and jazz music. The musician would run their fingers or a stick across the board to produce a rhythmic sound.
5. What is the legacy of Levee Camp Blues?
Levee Camp Blues is considered a classic example of traditional blues music and has been covered by many other musicians over the years. The song’s message about the hardships of the working class and the struggles of African Americans during the Great Depression continue to resonate with audiences today.
6. What other songs did Washboard Sam record?
Washboard Sam recorded over 170 songs during his career, including “Diggin’ My Potatoes,” “Washboard Blues,” and “You Can’t Make the Grade.” He was also known for his collaborations with other blues musicians, such as Big Bill Broonzy and Memphis Slim.
7. What is the significance of the blues in American music history?
The blues is a form of music that originated in African American communities in the southern United States around the late 19th century. It has been described as a musical expression of the pain, suffering, and resilience of the African American experience. The blues has had a profound impact on American music and culture, influencing many other genres such as rock and roll, soul, and hip hop.
8. What is the difference between traditional blues and modern blues?
Traditional blues is characterized by its simple chord progressions, its emphasis on lyrics and storytelling, and its use of acoustic instruments such as guitars, harmonicas, and washboards. Modern blues has evolved to incorporate a wider range of musical styles and instruments, including electric guitars, keyboards, and drum machines.
9. What other blues musicians were popular during the Great Depression?
During the Great Depression, many blues musicians became popular for their songs about the struggles of everyday life. Some of the most well-known blues musicians from this time include Robert Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Lead Belly.
10. What is the role of the blues in African American culture?
The blues has played an important role in African American culture, serving as a form of cultural expression and resistance against oppression. It has been used to articulate the experiences of African Americans, to provide a sense of community and solidarity, and to celebrate their cultural heritage.
11. What is the message of Levee Camp Blues?
The message of Levee Camp Blues is that of social and economic injustice towards the working-class, particularly the African American community. The song highlights the difficult living and working conditions that the workers faced on a daily basis.
12. What is the meaning behind the song’s title?
The song’s title refers to the “levee camps” where workers would live while working on the levees. These camps were often located in isolated areas along the river and provided minimal living conditions for the workers. The song describes the harsh realities of life in these camps, from the long hours and dangerous working conditions, to the poverty-stricken communities that surrounded them.
