This song is consistent with the spiritual bent of most of Cornell's lyrics. To paraphrase the Bible, Jesus says "...to the extent that you have done things for the least of my brothers, you have done so for me..". I think Chris is speaking from the viewpoint of Jesus Christ (though not in a sacrilegious sort of way). He is admonishing those who attempt to horde wealth, just as Jesus did in his parable of the man who died before he could enjoy his riches. From a socio-political perspective, I think he is referring to the inbalance of wealth and power between the wetsern world (particularly G7 nations) and the lesser developed countries. Domestically, he could be referring to the disparity between nonminorities (..whites) and minorities (..blacks).
This song is consistent with the spiritual bent of most of Cornell's lyrics. To paraphrase the Bible, Jesus says "...to the extent that you have done things for the least of my brothers, you have done so for me..". I think Chris is speaking from the viewpoint of Jesus Christ (though not in a sacrilegious sort of way). He is admonishing those who attempt to horde wealth, just as Jesus did in his parable of the man who died before he could enjoy his riches. From a socio-political perspective, I think he is referring to the inbalance of wealth and power between the wetsern world (particularly G7 nations) and the lesser developed countries. Domestically, he could be referring to the disparity between nonminorities (..whites) and minorities (..blacks).