Meaning of "I Felt Like A Gringo" by Minutemen

The lyrics of "I Felt Like A Gringo" by Minutemen delve into the complexities of white privilege and American imperialism while traveling in Mexico. The narrator acknowledges their white boy guilt and confronts the obstacle it poses to joy, resorting to drug use as a coping mechanism. Sleeping on a Mexican beach and in trash, the narrator contrasts the beauty of the country with the tarnish of American trash that can ruin a good time. The encounter with a local Mexican running a bar for Americans highlights the cultural divide and the underlying power dynamics between tourists and locals. The question about the election outcome serves as a reminder of the privilege of being able to leave the political turmoil behind, showcasing the disconnect between travelers and the harsh realities faced by the local population. The discomfort of feeling like a gringo, the disparity in fun between tourists and locals, as well as the questioning of buying a good time and the presence of soldiers in the streets all point to a broader critique of American influence and entitlement when traveling abroad.