Definition & Meaning of "blues"

Blues

NOUN

a temporary state of feeling severe sadness and dejection

Example

After losing his job, he fell into a deep blues, unsure of what to do next.

She listened to soothing music to help lift her out of the blues after a breakup.

The rainy weather seemed to exacerbate his blues, making him feel even more melancholy.

a type of folk music with strong rhythms and a melancholic atmosphere, first developed by the African American community in the Southern US

What is "blues"?

Blues is a genre of music that originated in the African American communities of the southern United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by its expressive melodies and often uses a specific pattern of chords known as the "blues progression". Blues typically features instruments like guitar, harmonica, and piano, accompanied by strong vocals. The lyrics often explore themes of heartache, hardship, life experiences, and resilience, delivered in a raw and heartfelt manner. The genre's simple, repetitive structure has made it highly influential in many other styles of music, including jazz, rock, and R&B.

Example

The blues genre is known for its expressive guitar solos and soulful lyrics.

He spent the evening listening to classic blues records from the 1930s.

Her voice had a deep, bluesy quality that fit perfectly with the blues band.