Baul performances, while couched in the language of mystical love and inner realization, are deeply engaged with social and political concerns. Their songs consistently challenge caste hierarchy and birth-based status, insisting that genuine spiritual realization renders such distinctions meaningless. By affirming the centrality of the human being as the true locus of value, they undermine rigid social stratification and the dominance of upper-caste authority. This critique is not only verbal but also enacted in the Baul way of life, which often brings together people from marginalized communities in shared spaces of music and devotion.

Equally striking is the Baul resistance to religious orthodoxy and institutionalized piety. Their lyrics frequently question ritualism, temple- and mosque-centered worship, and scriptural literalism, favoring direct spiritual experience over the mediation of priests or mullahs. Through satire and symbolic language, they expose religious hypocrisy and the use of doctrine as a tool of social control. In doing so, Baul performances open a space where Hindu and Islamic orthodoxies alike are gently but firmly called into question, and where spiritual truth is sought beyond sectarian boundaries.

Economic and political themes also find expression in Baul song and performance. Many compositions speak of poverty, exploitation, and the contrast between the suffering of ordinary people and the wealth of landlords or religious establishments. Political power and corrupt leadership are often evoked through allegories of false gurus or deceptive spiritual figures, allowing critique without direct confrontation. Historically, some songs have carried veiled references to resistance against oppressive rule, suggesting that inner liberation and outer justice are intimately connected.

Gender relations and community life are further domains where Baul practice engages social issues. Baul philosophy emphasizes an inner union of masculine and feminine principles, and this metaphysical vision supports a challenge to restrictive gender roles. Female Bauls perform alongside men, embodying a claim to spiritual autonomy that contests conventional expectations placed on women. Through gatherings and performances that validate the experiences of marginalized groups and foster shared identity, Baul song becomes a medium for community solidarity and quiet, persistent social transformation.