Ashford & Simpson – Bourgie Bourgie: A Soulful Satire of the Upper Class
In the annals of soul music, Ashford & Simpson stand as a towering duo, their songwriting brilliance and vocal prowess leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Among their extensive repertoire, “Bourgie Bourgie” stands out as a sharp and witty social commentary, a soulful satire that takes aim at the excesses and pretensions of the upper class.
Background
Released in 1977 as the lead single from their album Send It, “Bourgie Bourgie” marked a departure from Ashford & Simpson’s usual romantic fare, delving into the realm of social commentary with a touch of playful sarcasm. The song’s title, a French term for the bourgeoisie, sets the stage for the duo’s lyrical critique of the privileged class.
The song opens with a spoken intro, setting the scene at a swanky cocktail party, where the affluent gather amidst an air of self-importance and obliviousness to the realities of the world outside their gilded bubble.
Ashford’s vocals take center stage, her voice dripping with irony as she describes the lavish lifestyles and superficial concerns of the “bourgie bourgeoisie.” Simpson’s harmonies intertwine seamlessly, adding a touch of playful wit to the song’s sharp critique.
The lyrics are a masterclass in social satire, packed with clever wordplay and vivid imagery that capture the essence of the upper class’s detachment from reality. Ashford & Simpson paint a picture of a world where wealth and status are the ultimate measures of success, where true connection and meaningful experiences are overshadowed by the pursuit of material possessions.
The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with Ashford’s vocals soaring as she sings, “Bourgie, bourgie, you’re living in a fantasy world/Bourgie, bourgie, ain’t no need to act so high and mighty.”
“Bourgie Bourgie” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to blend sharp social commentary with infectious melodies and Ashford & Simpson’s signature soulful sound.
Video
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Ashford & Simpson.
- It was released in 1977 as the lead single from their album Send It.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977.
- “Bourgie Bourgie” has been covered by numerous artists, including Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and George Benson.