Burden of Shame

UB40's 'Burden of Shame' is a poignant critique of British colonialism and the lingering effects of its imperial past. The song's lyrics confront the historical and ongoing injustices committed in the name of the British Empire, emphasizing the moral responsibility that current and future generations bear for these actions. The opening lines, 'There are murders that we must account for / Bloody deeds have been done in my name,' set a somber tone, acknowledging the violent history that has been carried out under the British flag. This acknowledgment is not just a reflection on the past but a call to recognize and address the consequences that persist today.

The chorus, 'I'm a British subject not proud of it / While I carry the burden of shame,' is a powerful expression of internal conflict and national identity. It speaks to the discomfort and guilt felt by those who are aware of their country's dark history. This sentiment is further explored in the verses, which highlight the indirect complicity of British citizens in global injustices. For instance, the line 'Our money's supporting an army / And a boy in Soweto dies' draws a direct connection between British economic policies and the suffering of individuals in far-off lands, specifically referencing the apartheid era in South Africa.

The song also questions the collective ignorance and apathy of the British public. 'As a nation we follow in blindness / No one stops to question why' suggests a societal tendency to overlook or ignore the moral implications of their nation's actions. The final verse, 'Must we go on ignoring forever / The cries of an African son,' serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of this ignorance. By stating, 'There's a soldier's hand on a trigger / But it's we who are pointing the gun,' UB40 underscores the idea that the responsibility for these actions lies not just with the individuals who carry them out, but with the society that enables and supports them.