The new last verse was in response to 9/11
Originally the song was a social comment on the demise of the idea of America, of it's good old values and liberty, kind of a 'I can't believe it has come to this', hence:
"and the children gave the blessing, though the service weren't half done, each of them sued the other one, for the last great american"
The last great American was the last remnant of this idea, and here he is buried.
However, with 9/11, the American spirit was reborn, as everyone stood together and instead of blaming each other looked after their neighbour instead. Thus, the character of the Last Great American was reborn, through the smoke and morning sun. A new chapter in life had begun.
The new last verse was in response to 9/11 Originally the song was a social comment on the demise of the idea of America, of it's good old values and liberty, kind of a 'I can't believe it has come to this', hence:
"and the children gave the blessing, though the service weren't half done, each of them sued the other one, for the last great american"
The last great American was the last remnant of this idea, and here he is buried.
However, with 9/11, the American spirit was reborn, as everyone stood together and instead of blaming each other looked after their neighbour instead. Thus, the character of the Last Great American was reborn, through the smoke and morning sun. A new chapter in life had begun.