I know that I should think about giving
and think about
helping out
and think about
think about living
but I can't seem to rescue myself
what about my bank account
and my holy desert shield
that keep me dry under that arms?
flags and mental jewelry's all I know
and they keep me happy and warm inside
so I said unto this man
"who are you and where do you come from?"
and he proceeded to tell me many things
but I said nothing at all
for the flower in the corner, by the room,
in the window, and the sun
said it all
at least they said they would
said they could
mama said they would
do me good
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But it was supposed to be a good thing, to America. Our God Given obligation to stop Iraq from conquering Kuwait and eventually Saudi Arabia. Ultimately however, our methods caused massive devastation to the very area we claimed we were trying to protect.
"What about my bank account"- money acribed to being root of succes/pleasure/self-worth.
"My holy desert shield"- Holy is the tip-off here: Many of Live's other songs at this time either raised uncertainty or doubt about God or religion. Wars have been fought with the impetus that God or religion will literally shield "his people" from death or destruction or other misfortune, while at the same time "blessing" them with victory.
Long story short- a "desert shield" in this case is probably the (questioned) security provided by religion or spirituality.
"who are you and where do you come from?"
and he proceeded to tell me many things
but I said nothing at all"
I guess this "man" is actually him talking with himself trying to make sense out of life..