Gojam Province 1968 Lyrics

Lyric discussion by asikari 

Cover art for Gojam Province 1968 lyrics by Mountain Goats, The

Gojam province is in Ethiopia and in 1968 experienced a revolt by the people against high taxes. The government reacted by reversing the taxes and putting new governors in charge.

I listen to this song a few times in the car before i know what the title is. Trying to work out the meaning thinking there are themes of poverty and struggle here that could apply to any number of situations. Even knowing the title you would need to look up the reference to the specific revolt that john has brought to life here, it's far from common knowledge. One of those songs like September 15th 1983. i feel like i'm learning about a previously unknown piece of history but in an emotive way rather than from a textbook.

Is it...