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Anybody singing the blues is in a deep pit yelling for help.
Mahalia Jackson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that those who express sorrow through music are seeking assistance and understanding.

Mahalia Jackson's quote highlights the emotional depth behind expressing sadness or struggle through music, particularly the blues. It conveys the idea that when someone sings about their pain and despair, they are not merely entertaining, but rather reaching out for support and connection, often from a place of deep vulnerability.

Themes

MusicBluesHelpEmotionSorrowPain

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on the significance of blues music in expressing emotional struggles.

More from Mahalia Jackson

The Lord doesn't like us to be dead. Be alive. Sometimes I dance to the glory of the Lord, because He said so.
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The old Devil gets mad when you're trying to do good. Pray that God will move the stumbling blocks.
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It is easy to be independent when you've got money. But to be independent when you haven't got a thing, that's the Lord's test.
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Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them.
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Blues are the songs of despair, but gospel songs are the songs of hope.
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When you sing gospel you have a feeling there is a cure for what's wrong.
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