Having previously tackled the instrumental side of things, its high time to examine the sultry vocals of Annette Hanshaw on this 1929 recording “What Wouldn’t I Do For That Man”. While many tracks prior and since speak of the suffering that love, or a lack thereof, can bestow, no such sentiment is present here. From the opening lines, the song makes clear that love has been nothing short of a revelation. So much so that the singer doesn’t mind being a “slave to one who means the world to me”. The male object of the song’s affection, as indicated in later lyrics, has indicated to the singer that he “can’t live without her” and allows her to rest her head upon his shoulder when she is weary. There is no suggestion, then, that this is some sort of fantastic, or one-sided love. By song’s close, even the more cynical listener could conclude that the song speaks of a mutually beneficial love.
In addition to the lyrical content, Hanshaw’s vocals go the distance in selling the song. Her quiet delivery suits the song well, and she still manages to project the emotion of devotion. When the song breaks away from the vocals, the instrumentals match Hanshaw’s gentle and seductive tone. There is remarkable discipline in the restraint here, and it makes for a relaxing track indeed.
Music Through the Mists of Time 