The song "H2O Gate Blues" by Gil Scott-Heron is a political commentary on the Watergate scandal that occurred in the United States in the 1970s. Scott-Heron uses the blues genre as a metaphorical backdrop to express his criticism and disillusionment with the American government and society at the time. The lyrics of the song highlight the various shades or aspects of the blues, comparing them to the different issues and problems faced by individuals and the nation as a whole. He mentions the "I ain't got me no money, blues," the "I ain't got me no woman, blues," and the "I ain't got me no money, and I ain't got me no woman" blues, among others. Through these examples, Scott-Heron emphasizes that the blues can represent personal struggles and hardships. He then goes on to discuss the historical perception of the blues and how it was believed to only affect black individuals. Scott-Heron challenges this notion by pointing out recent events like the Frank Rizzo lie detector scandal and the United States government's energy crisis. These events show that the blues, in a broader sense, can impact people from all walks of life. The song also touches upon the Watergate scandal, where the Nixon administration was involved in illegal activities, including the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Scott-Heron criticizes the government's actions and raises questions about the consequences of these actions. He expresses his perplexity at how blind America can be to these issues and suggests that the world is on the edge of defeat. Scott-Heron then delves into other political issues plaguing America, such as the Vietnam War, the economic exploitation of Asian countries, segregation in schools, and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. He highlights the controversies and injustices surrounding these events and expresses frustration at the lack of action or awareness from the American citizens. Throughout the song, Scott-Heron references historical and political figures, such as Hale Boggs, LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson), J. Edgar Hoover, and Patrick Gray, to emphasize the corrupt and questionable actions of those in power. The overarching message of "H2O Gate Blues" is to shed light on the political and social problems faced by America during the Watergate era. Scott-Heron uses the blues as a means to express his discontent and call for change. The song serves as a powerful critique of government corruption, societal inequalities, and the need for people to be aware, engaged, and proactive in challenging these issues.
