Prove It on Me, Ma Rainey 1928

Instruments: Ma Rainey's vocals, piano, trumpet, sax possibly. The combination of instruments work together as a sort of conversation. Rainey's soothing and swooping voice works together with the other instruments to tell her story.

Volume: Ma Rainey has a very full, loud voice, and the message of her song which carries controversial issues, definitely should be sung in the loud volume presented. The recording is very poor, due to society's lack of support, but one can imagine the large woman dancing around the stage blasting her message.

Tempo: While Rainey sings the tempo is slow and even, while during the instruments section, around 1:30, the speed increases and becomes less predictable adding new elements of style.

Meter: The meter is a duple meter, and could slowly be marched/danced to.

Range: Due to the repetition of the song, Rainey's voice covers a limited number of notes. However, Rainey has the ability to blend notes and slide to the next one which creates a very different sound. The other instruments follow her, adding embellishment during their 30 second solo.

Texture: The song follows a very repetitive style. A, A'-with little variation, B-new line with different lyrics, C (A) new lyrics with the same rhythm of line A, and D-the chorus line, "Sure got to prove it on me." The instruments follow the same changes, since the song is written with two lines of music, the vocals, and the instruments. The thin texture line emphasis's the simplicity into performing the song, and does not require effort from the audience.

Meaning: This song defies many social practices. By openly singing about her bisexuality, "I went out last night with a crowd of my friends, It must’ve been women, ‘cause I don’t like no men," Rainey is being honest about who she is, and not trying to please everyone in her audience. The rise of feminity was only beginning, yet for Rainey, she already knew who she was.