Lucille Bogan

Lyrics

6 ContributorsB.D. Woman’s Blues LyricsComin' a time, B.D. women ain't gonna need no men
Comin' a time, B.D. women ain't gonna do need no men
Oh they way treat us is a lowdown and dirty sin

B.D. women, you sure can't understand
B.D. women, you sure can't understand
They got a head like a sweet angel and they walk just like a natural man

B.D. women, they all done learnt their plan
B.D. women, they all done learnt their plan
They can lay their jive just like a natural man

B.D. women, B.D. women, you know they sure is rough
B.D. women, B.D. women, you know they sure is rough
They all drink up plenty whiskey and they sure will strut their stuff

B.D. women, you know they work and make their dough
B.D. women, you know they work and make their dough
And when they get ready to spend it, they know they have to go

If there is one blues song that throws light on the progressive and raunchy music of the 1930s, it’s “B.D. Woman’s Blues” by Lucille Bogan. Even though the song was banned on radio stations, it reached a peak of popularity through jukeboxes. Bogan sings about taboo topics such as sex and drugs, earning it a place in the “dirty blues” subgenre.

About B.D. Woman’s Blues

Lucille Bogan, one of the first blues singer-songwriters in America, wrote the song in 1935, which she recorded under the name Bessie Jackson. The lyrics of the song are considered to be some of the first ones that talk openly about lesbian relationships. In the 1920s and 1930s, various female blues artists such as Bogan, Gladys Bently, Ma Rainey, and Bessie Smith were open about their attraction to women. Even though they were not explicitly out of the closet, they sang openly about their feelings towards women.

From the first line of “B.D. Woman’s Blues”, it’s clear that Bogan’s attitude toward the B.D. Women is shockingly progressive. The song opens with the line, “Comin' a time, B.D. women ain’t gonna need no men.” This line seems to reflect her desire to live in a world where lesbian women don’t feel societal pressure to marry a man. The rest of the song celebrates “B.D. Women,” making it a powerful anthem for women everywhere.

B.D. Woman’s Blues is considered to be a groundbreaking song in the dirty blues subgenre. It was a part of a collective culture in the United States at a time when sex and drugs were shunned from public discourse. Despite being banned on radio stations, the song and its genre became popular through jukeboxes across the country.

Lucille Bogan’s music was a centerpiece of the dirty blues subgenre. She used double-entendres and sexual innuendos to sing about taboo topics such as sex, drugs, and prostitution. One of her most famous songs, “Shave ‘Em Dry,” is full of sexually explicit lyrics and considered to be one of the most sexually explicit popular blues songs. With over 100 recorded songs that have been covered by legends like B.B. King, Bogan is considered by many music historians to be one of the most important blues singers.

Lucille Bogan, born in Birmingham, Alabama, grew up to become one of the most influential and successful blues artists of her time. It was her collaboration with pianist Henry Callens that launched her career. She signed with Paramount Records in 1927 and became a sensation with the song “Sweet Petunia.” It was her partnership with pianist Walter Roland that resulted in over 100 recorded songs. Even though she passed away in 1948, her music continues to inspire new generations of artists.

B.D. Woman’s Blues is considered to be a significant song that challenged societal norms and gave a voice to women who were struggling to express themselves in a world ruled by men. Lucille Bogan was a trailblazer who used music as a platform to talk about taboo topics, making it fascinating to listen to today. The song is a testimony to Bogan’s courage, creativity, and determination to push boundaries and connect with her audience on a deeper level through music.

In essence, “B.D. Woman’s Blues” is a powerful song that celebrates the love, strength, and perseverance of women. It represents a milestone in the history of music and serves as a reminder of how far we have come in terms of societal change. It was through songs like this that Lucille Bogan, and other artists like her, began the process of shedding the chains of oppression and giving voice to the marginalized in America.

• Release Date: 1935
• Artist: Lucille Bogan