i believe this is about war and america's fascination with it, you know, that blind jingoism some of us prance around with. and as far as big black songs go, many are about people fucking up themselves, or others. so, the last line references vietnam, commonly referred to as a "pointless war". dead billy is the american draftee who died for his country and the little girl is, well, just a little girl. in a us dress. innocent and ignorant, doing just what she's told, and told not to think. good, docile citizens. anyway, i believe the real "meat" of this is where it says: "Dead Billy put your hand in his hole", this is a direct reference to jesus christ who had doubting thomas put his hand into the hole made by the spear of loginus. thus, billy, christ, the unknown soldier, all died for those who sent them to their deaths, and those who sent them believed tha that was penance. that they were forgiven for their inhumane crimes.
i wonder if anyone will see this...
i believe this is about war and america's fascination with it, you know, that blind jingoism some of us prance around with. and as far as big black songs go, many are about people fucking up themselves, or others. so, the last line references vietnam, commonly referred to as a "pointless war". dead billy is the american draftee who died for his country and the little girl is, well, just a little girl. in a us dress. innocent and ignorant, doing just what she's told, and told not to think. good, docile citizens. anyway, i believe the real "meat" of this is where it says: "Dead Billy put your hand in his hole", this is a direct reference to jesus christ who had doubting thomas put his hand into the hole made by the spear of loginus. thus, billy, christ, the unknown soldier, all died for those who sent them to their deaths, and those who sent them believed tha that was penance. that they were forgiven for their inhumane crimes.
anyhoo, that's just this one's opinion