It's about the dangers of Nationalism, peppered with images and references to Nazism. It's a masterpiece of wit and construction. The "forbidden book" is simply the records that fascist regimes always keep on their enemies. "Wait until they've got you running to the Night Rally" is the warning that you too might join them when they get big enough. The "singing with the hand on the heart" is how fascist regimes--or any regime--has their own propogandist songs. the "singing in the showerS", is a clever double meaning, with reference to the showers in the nazi extermination camps. There's also the reference to armbands (worn by nazis).
Your analysis is correct, I just wanted to ad that I read an interview with EC about this song in 1979 or so ... it was written in response to the rise of neo-Nazis in England. There had been some rallies in London around that time.
Your analysis is correct, I just wanted to ad that I read an interview with EC about this song in 1979 or so ... it was written in response to the rise of neo-Nazis in England. There had been some rallies in London around that time.
I think, too, as you point out, it could apply to any nationalist movement. And it has some very clever phrases, but that's standard with Elvis.
I think, too, as you point out, it could apply to any nationalist movement. And it has some very clever phrases, but that's standard with Elvis.
It's about the dangers of Nationalism, peppered with images and references to Nazism. It's a masterpiece of wit and construction. The "forbidden book" is simply the records that fascist regimes always keep on their enemies. "Wait until they've got you running to the Night Rally" is the warning that you too might join them when they get big enough. The "singing with the hand on the heart" is how fascist regimes--or any regime--has their own propogandist songs. the "singing in the showerS", is a clever double meaning, with reference to the showers in the nazi extermination camps. There's also the reference to armbands (worn by nazis).
I signed up just to thank you for your spot-on analysis! Thanks and keep up the good work!
I signed up just to thank you for your spot-on analysis! Thanks and keep up the good work!
Your analysis is correct, I just wanted to ad that I read an interview with EC about this song in 1979 or so ... it was written in response to the rise of neo-Nazis in England. There had been some rallies in London around that time.
Your analysis is correct, I just wanted to ad that I read an interview with EC about this song in 1979 or so ... it was written in response to the rise of neo-Nazis in England. There had been some rallies in London around that time.
I think, too, as you point out, it could apply to any nationalist movement. And it has some very clever phrases, but that's standard with Elvis.
I think, too, as you point out, it could apply to any nationalist movement. And it has some very clever phrases, but that's standard with Elvis.