Observe how the drums consistently emphasize the second and fourth beats of each measure. These are usually the weaker beats of a four-beat measure. Accenting normally unaccented beats or accenting notes that occur in between beats create what is called syncopation. Syncopation can add rhythmic drive to the music. Systematic syncopation on the second and fourth beats is called a back beat and is

very common in blues as well as other popular Euro American music. What is syncopation and which words are syncopated in the third stanza (starting at 1:21) of “Poor Boy Blues”?

What will be an ideal response?

• Syncopation (or "misplaced accents") refers to accenting beats that are normally unaccented or accenting notes that occur in between the beats. • In stanza 3 of "Poor Boy Blues" (CD 1:26), Lucas syncopates
. . . age . . . a-round . . . been a poor boy. . . ain't caught. . . hell.