Meaning of B.D. Woman’s Blues by Lucille Bogan

Uncovering the Power of B.D. Woman’s Blues

When I first discovered "B.D. Woman’s Blues" by Lucille Bogan, I was struck by its unapologetic celebration of female strength and independence. Written over 80 years ago, this song’s message is just as relevant today as it was then. Bogan’s powerful lyrics create a vivid image of the "B.D." women she sings about – their struggles, triumphs, and unwavering commitment to self-sufficiency.

Female Empowerment and the End of Patriarchal Chains

The song begins with Bogan’s defiant assertion: "There will come a time when B.D. women won’t need no man." This refrain is a potent symbol of the desire for women’s liberation from the confines of patriarchal society. The "bad-ass" women she sings about are tired of being mistreated and undervalued by men, as exemplified by the lines: "Oh the way they treat us is a lowdown and dirty sin." This verse is a scathing indictment of the systemic inequality faced by women, and a declaration that they will no longer stand for it.

Juxtaposing Traditionally feminine and Masculine Qualities

In the second stanza, Bogan astutely observes: "[B.D.] women’s heads like a sweet angel and they walk just like a natural man." This juxtaposition is nothing short of revolutionary. Bogan is refusing to constrain women to societal norms, instead celebrating their multifaceted nature – capable of both innocence and power, weakness and strength. This theme is echoed in [B.D.] women’s ability to "lay their jive" and assertively navigate a world designed for men.

Paving the Way to Self-Sufficiency

Bogan’s vision for "B.D." women goes beyond mere rebellion – she envisions a world where women have taken charge of their lives and rely on no one but themselves. This is starkly evident in the lyrics: "[B.D.] women done learned to lay their plan… And they don’t have no man to rely on, yeah." The idea is that these women have devised their own paths, defying the conventional wisdom that women require a man’s guidance to survive.

Unapologetic Individuals

The rough, tough, whiskey-drinking, and opinionated image of "B.D." women Bogan portrays is a potent refutation of societal expectations. She is celebrating individuals who are unapologetically themselves, who don’t conform to norms of beauty, behavior, or emotional expression. This vision is a fundamental rejection of the patriarchal status quo, where women were pressured to conform to restrictive social norms.

Financial Freedom and Independence

In the final stanza, Bogan highlights the economic power and financial freedom of "B.D." women, who earn their own income and are well aware of their financial responsibilities. They are not beholden to anyone’s purse and can choose to spend their hard-earned money as they see fit – a radical idea for women in a time when domesticity and economic dependence on men were expected. This emphasis on financial autonomy is a critical aspect of B.D. Woman’s Blues, underscoring the importance of self-sufficiency in the fight for women’s liberation.

Conclusion

In "B.D. Woman’s Blues", Lucille Bogan has created a work that is both a paean to female strength and a scathing critique of societal oppression. This song’s messages of empowerment, self-reliance, and resistance to patriarchal norms resonate deeply. For decades, "B.D. Woman’s Blues" has inspired generations of women, and its message continues to be just as vital and relevant today as it was when it was first penned.

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