Baltimore

Nina Simone's 'Baltimore' is a poignant reflection on the hardships faced by the residents of an urban environment, specifically the city of Baltimore. The song opens with the image of a 'beat-up little seagull' trying to find the ocean, a metaphor for the struggle of trying to find freedom and escape in a place that feels confining and oppressive. The marble stair, often associated with grandeur, contrasts with the seagull's plight, emphasizing the disparity between the city's facade and the grim reality of its inhabitants.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the city's harsh conditions, mentioning 'hard times in the city' and the lack of opportunities 'where there ain't nothin' here for free.' Simone goes on to describe the desperation of those living on the margins, including a hooker waiting for a train and a drunk sleeping on the sidewalk. These characters are trying to hide their faces and eyes, symbolizing their shame and the city's collective denial of its decaying state. The refrain 'Oh, Baltimore / Man, it's hard just to live' serves as a haunting reminder of the daily struggle for survival faced by the city's residents.

The song concludes with a yearning for escape to the countryside, where life is presumably simpler and more bearable. The narrator dreams of taking her family away from the urban decay to a place 'where the mountain's high,' suggesting a longing for a return to nature and a life free from the city's hardships. 'Baltimore' is a powerful commentary on urban decline and the human desire for a better life, set to the backdrop of one of America's most iconic cities.