Put The Blame On Mame

The song 'Put The Blame On Mame' performed by Rita Hayworth is a classic example of using a character as a scapegoat for various disasters. The song, which was featured in the 1946 film 'Gilda', has Rita Hayworth's character singing about a woman named Mame who is humorously blamed for several historical events. The lyrics playfully suggest that Mame's actions, such as a kiss or a dance, were the real causes of these events, rather than the commonly accepted explanations.

The song uses hyperbole and satire to make its point, attributing large-scale events like the Great Chicago Fire, a blizzard in Manhattan, the San Francisco earthquake, and a shooting in the Klondike to the actions of a single individual. This exaggeration serves to entertain but also subtly comments on the human tendency to find scapegoats for complex situations. The repeated chorus 'Put the blame on Mame, boys' reinforces the idea that Mame is a convenient target for blame, regardless of the actual cause of the disasters.

Rita Hayworth's performance of the song in 'Gilda' adds another layer of meaning, as her character is similarly blamed for things beyond her control within the film's narrative. The song, therefore, not only serves as a standalone piece but also as a commentary on the character's situation in the movie. The playful tone of the song belies a deeper message about blame, responsibility, and the often irrational ways in which society seeks to explain and deal with misfortune.