This song was written during the Cold War, remember. There was massive fear of a nuclear war breaking out at any time, and I think that's what this is about.
"Stockpiled safety for a few
While we stand holding hands"
Nuclear weapons stockpiles were the superpowers' "protection" from each other, but if used, there would be many innocent casualties.
"Searching for another way
See them hide behind the door
We'll live in holes and disused shafts
Hopes for little more"
The idea of living in a post-apocalyptic world -- while the people who "pushed the button" could hide in nuclear bunkers, civilians "live in holes and disused shafts."
"Ice age" = nuclear winter
"It's not an eclipse"
The most striking line for me. Very clever lyric -- we're told it's not an eclipse, but are not explicitly told what it -is-.
This song was written during the Cold War, remember. There was massive fear of a nuclear war breaking out at any time, and I think that's what this is about.
"Stockpiled safety for a few While we stand holding hands"
"Searching for another way See them hide behind the door We'll live in holes and disused shafts Hopes for little more"
"Ice age" = nuclear winter
"It's not an eclipse"