Meaning of "Buddy Bolden's Blues" by Hugh Laurie

The lyrics of "Buddy Bolden's Blues" paint a vivid picture of a society where individuals are quick to judge, condemn, and demand. Each stanza presents a different character expressing the desire to rid themselves of something they perceive as burdensome or undesirable. Whether it's Buddy Bolden wanting to get rid of the nasty and dirty, Judge Fogerty giving someone 30 days in the market, or Franky Dirson demanding money owed to him, the lyrics showcase a world where people are quick to push away what they don't like rather than facing or dealing with the root of the issue. This can be seen as a commentary on how society often chooses to overlook or sweep under the rug problems rather than truly addressing them, leading to a cycle of avoidance and temporary solutions rather than true resolution.