Final answer:
Blues songs typically have melancholic and reflective lyrics and melodies, with the use of emotional 'blue' notes, and convey deep emotions stemming from African American spirituals and work songs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question of what lyrics and melodies were typically like in blues songs is b) Melancholic and reflective. Blues music, which has its roots in African American history, often expresses a range of emotions from deep sorrow to exuberant hope. Its melodies and lyrics tend to reflect the struggles and emotions of life, often conveying a sense of yearning, loss, or a story of personal hardship. The use of 'blue' notes, distinctive pitches that are flattened or 'bent' relative to the pitches of the major scale, is characteristic of the blues genre. This gives the melodies a bittersweet, emotional quality that matches well with the reflective and sometimes sorrowful lyrics.
While some blues songs can indeed be more upbeat and infused with a sly sense of humor, the overarching themes often revolve around the human condition, broaching topics that are introspective and contemplative. The lyrical content often has a sense of poetry to it, revealing the influence of African spirituals and work songs where expression was a key element.