The Pine Bluff Variant

First we have to look at the song meaning: Pine bluff: In favor of large, intrusive government that violates or suppresses individual rights. Characterized by a "law and order" approach; failing to support civil liberties and/or economic freedom in society;

The title is variant because they are all variations of the same. That's why it ends with do you believe in me? A reoccurring line in this. For politicians are suppose to be there because they believe in the people. But the reality is they don't believe in people they are too suspicious of everything to believe in it without hard facts. Or else they would not be politicians. It's essentially saying that the entire political system is flawed. Ultimately the delivery is what makes this song great as it unveils the hypocritical nature of the politics of every government. Too cowardly to face us for a discussion and make it known they oppose a different side (both left and right) because of fear of how the people would react were the intentions so obviously telegraphed. And also because how they behave sets the precedent for how people are allowed to behave/communicate.

The last lines are beautiful because they ask the most important question. Do you believe in me? It's a rhetorical question because the economy and policy is created to widen the gap between the rich and the poor. The reason they allow this is because the rich pay them to. That's how and why all governments oppress the people. Because most politicians who attain power put themselves first. It's why the entire political system was built on poor foundations. Because people who are voted into power are the foundation, if most people only care about themselves as they put themselves first than how can you expect anything other than a pine bluff variant. That's basically the problem. Not the government but the people voted into positions of power. By voting them out we don't fix the problem. The whole human race would need to evolve for a new government system to work. One ruled by someone who can rule fairly and righteously in service to all others on the planet over themselves.