Grâce à la grâce du premier album d’Emily Jane White, je découvre une chanteuse des années 20, que j’ignorais.

Emily Jane lui rend hommage dans cette chanson, et la performance, perchée sur le Bay Bridge de San Francisco semle s’envoler au delà de la baie, et traverser les airs, jusqu’à nous.

Bessie Smith, Emily Jane White.

I said oh oh, Bessie Smith why do you hang your head so low?
I would die in heaven just to meet your soul
I said oh oh, Bessie Smith why do you hang your head so low?
I would die in heaven, I would die in heaven just to meet you

Shot to the ego boy it’s where this knife runs through
Three wise men call Bessie down for a dual
Shot to the ego boy it’s where this knife runs through
Three wise men call Bessie down for a dual

I said oh oh, father lay me down
Down on this sunken ground
I said oh oh, father lay me down
Down on this sunken ground

But she’s got a crucifix hidin’ way down in this pit, oh
If you wish to call her out
Call her with your bravest shout

I said oh oh, father lay me down
Down on this sunken ground
I said oh oh, father lay me down
Down on this sunken ground

I said oh oh Bessie Smith why do you hang your head so low?
I would die in heaven, I would die in heaven, I would die in heaven just to meet your soul

En lui adressant cette grave mélodie, la talentueuse californienne s’inscrit dans une lignée de chanteuses de blues, qui portent des destins chargés dans leur voix.