I don’t know how to handle this question and need guidance.
A little creative writing in this discussion. Start with some listening. Listen to the four covers of the Blues song Mean Old World, linked below. For the first three, listen carefully for the way each four-bar group is split into two bars of vocal and two bars instrumental. By way of contrast, note the continuity of the melodic line in Sam Cooke’s version.
Mean Old World – Little Walters
Mean Old World – Eric Clapton and Duane Allman
Mean Old World – an all-star cast featuring Chuck Berry on Vocals
A transformation into a 16 bar gospel tinged pop song – Sam Cooke’s version.
For this week’s discussion
1) What strikes you as the most unusual or surprising changes that you experience in Sam Cooke’s transformation of the song? Is it more or less expressive than the other three?
2) In comparing the first three versions what element(s) did you find most memorable? Most authentic (heart-felt)?
Mean Old World
This is a mean old world, try and live it by yourself.
This is a mean old world, try and live it by yourself.
Can’t get the one you love, have to use somebody else.
I’ve got the blues, gonna pack my things and go.
I’ve got the blues, gonna pack my things and go.
Guess you don’t love me, babe, loving mister so-and-so.
Sometimes I wonder why can your love be so cold?
Sometimes I wonder why can your love be so cold?
I guess you don’t love me, gonna pack my things and go.
by Walter Jacobs
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