Meaning of "Bourgeois Blues" by Pete Seeger

The lyrics of "Bourgeois Blues" by Pete Seeger shed light on the systemic racism and discrimination faced by Black individuals in a society dominated by the bourgeois class. The narrator's personal experience of being turned down and mistreated due to their race reflects the deep-rooted inequalities that exist within the community. The repeated references to Washington, DC also highlight the institutionalized racism that is prevalent in the nation's capital. By spreading the news "all around," the narrator aims to raise awareness and rally support among colored folks to resist and combat the bourgeois town's oppressive forces. The song serves as a powerful critique of the racial injustice and inequality faced by Black communities in bourgeois society, urging listeners to take a stand against such discrimination.