The song "Feeling Blue" by Eric Burdon addresses the challenges faced by individuals living in the inner city, particularly focusing on young men. The lyrics depict a grim reality where anger, frustration, and the risk of incarceration are prevalent. The song suggests that the prison system has turned into a lucrative industry, with entire towns depending on it, metaphorically comparing it to slavery in the 21st century. Burdon questions whether there is a solution to this issue and emphasizes the need for collective action and support. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and uncertainty about how to address these systemic problems. The song also highlights that the underlying causes of anger and frustration are not limited to racial factors but also stem from privilege and class disparities. Education is presented as a potential solution to equalize opportunities and bridge the gap. Overall, "Feeling Blue" serves as an appeal for finding solutions to the challenges faced by individuals in the inner city, urging listeners to gather behind a common cause. It portrays the singer's emotional state of feeling down and overwhelmed by the complexities of the issues at hand.
