I am nearly 100% certain that the line "they should never... ...touch the ground" is a play on the idea that (at least in America) flags should never touch the ground; however I think Ian means they should never be placed in the ground, or used as symbol to represent a particular region or group of people, as they are "such ugly things."
I think the overall tone of the song is just an assessment or observation on nationalism and the ignorance that accompanies it. Bloody brilliant opening track.
I am nearly 100% certain that the line "they should never... ...touch the ground" is a play on the idea that (at least in America) flags should never touch the ground; however I think Ian means they should never be placed in the ground, or used as symbol to represent a particular region or group of people, as they are "such ugly things."
I think the overall tone of the song is just an assessment or observation on nationalism and the ignorance that accompanies it. Bloody brilliant opening track.
My thinking is close, but I interpret it as "flags are so ugly, they shouldn't touch the ground lest they get it (the ground) dirty".
My thinking is close, but I interpret it as "flags are so ugly, they shouldn't touch the ground lest they get it (the ground) dirty".
My thinking is close, but I interpret it as "flags are so ugly, they shouldn't touch the ground lest they get it (the ground) dirty".
My thinking is close, but I interpret it as "flags are so ugly, they shouldn't touch the ground lest they get it (the ground) dirty".