Ma Rainey Quotes (6 Quotes)

They hear it come out, but they don't know how it got there. They don't understand that's life's way of talking. You don't sing to feel better. You sing 'cause that's a way of understanding life.

You see me ravin', you hear me crying, Of Lawd, this lonely heart of maine, Sometimes I'm grieving from my hat down to my shoes. I'm a goodhearted woman that's a slave to the blues.

My audience wants to see me beautifully gowned, and I have spared no expense or pains . . . For I feel that the best is none too good for the public that pays to hear a singer.

You ll never miss the sunshine till the rain begin to fall Never miss the sunshine till the rain begin to fall You'll never miss your hay till another mule be in your stall.

White folks hear the blues come out, but they don't know how it got there.

If you don't like my ocean don't fish in my sea Stay out of my valley and let my mountain be.