The first stanza talks about the downturn of the U.S. in a cosmopolitan sense, as this song is a sociological commentary. He insinuates a loss of pride, seemingly for the later mentioned "crucified USA." Note the "never need to 'pologize" leads to "purple" when the subject's lips unfold. Purple is a literary symbol of flowery monologue, or rhetoric. It comments on the rhetorical speak that is in stead of responsibility in the political sense.
"You better learn to crawl before I walk away" is likely hearkening to the cliche image of peons having to crawl before their monarch, likening either our government, or the world stage, to a monarchy. In light of recent years, it is likely the court of world opinion that is this monarchy.
The line in the third stanza regarding the broken mouth is a likely a simple commentary on the inability of the individual to speak out. It could also have to do with the symbolism of broken teeth, meaning a state of disrepair in one's life. This could fit with the theme of heavy powers bearing down. The ensuing lines, however, begin to paint the picture that the unscathed grave will soon be filled, arguably with the force which has caused this disrepair.
"The reds, the whites and abused" is a more clear reference to the abuse of citizens of the United States. However, he does not impune the U.S.A., rather he paints America as either the savior or a victim by calling her "crucified." This could mean that the US itself is the abused, and not her citizens. It could be viewed either way.
"Just let the prophecy unfold, all hell will soon be on its way" could very likely reference the many prophecies that have had attention called to them recently, whether it be the 2012 prophecies of armageddon, DaVinci's encoded panels of armageddon, the Biblical Antichrist, or simply a historical foreshadowing of what happens when a power like the U.S. begins to change direction abruptly, like the Roman Empire, in example.
"You rat," calls on the force or forces that has caused this shift within the U.S., and tells it to leave, though acknowledging that it or they are searching for an alibi, or a way to pawn of the blame. This again hearkens to the opening stanza regarding rhetorical speak. The lyrics above exclude the line "They never went to Sunday Mass." at the close of the stanza following the first chorus. This could infer an accusation of a lack of morality or justice.
In the last bridge, he settles on "They want to see us crawl before they walk away." This finally begins to call out 'they' as a driving force behind change, clarifying somewhat now that the U.S. in and of itself is not the party of blame. It takes on a 1984-esque view of powerful figures, not unlike the political views of many during the 60s and 70s, somewhat shifting the argument that the driving force is, in fact, governmental figures.
While the song itself is more geared toward pointing out the change in America, rather than denouncing figures who have changed it, it does make this final image very clear. However, as previously stated, it does show the United States as a victim to this difference. Bearing in mind the time it was written, particularly who or what it was about is likely deducible.
Although in the first chorus it does sound as if he says something other than "prophecy," the idea that the word is 'hypocrisy' is wrong. Many people have tried to jump to this conclusion in keeping with the idea that the U.S. has been hypocritical. However, this song is not in reference to this mainstream criticism.
The song memorializes the former U.S. and awaits the "hell" that will likely correct the shift in American tradition.
It has Christian overtones in it as well. It sounds a bit like "The Great Tribulation". The bloody mouth could also speak of "Freedom of Speech" not being denied but paying a heavy price for it. Excellent analysis!
It has Christian overtones in it as well. It sounds a bit like "The Great Tribulation". The bloody mouth could also speak of "Freedom of Speech" not being denied but paying a heavy price for it. Excellent analysis!
The first stanza talks about the downturn of the U.S. in a cosmopolitan sense, as this song is a sociological commentary. He insinuates a loss of pride, seemingly for the later mentioned "crucified USA." Note the "never need to 'pologize" leads to "purple" when the subject's lips unfold. Purple is a literary symbol of flowery monologue, or rhetoric. It comments on the rhetorical speak that is in stead of responsibility in the political sense.
"You better learn to crawl before I walk away" is likely hearkening to the cliche image of peons having to crawl before their monarch, likening either our government, or the world stage, to a monarchy. In light of recent years, it is likely the court of world opinion that is this monarchy.
The line in the third stanza regarding the broken mouth is a likely a simple commentary on the inability of the individual to speak out. It could also have to do with the symbolism of broken teeth, meaning a state of disrepair in one's life. This could fit with the theme of heavy powers bearing down. The ensuing lines, however, begin to paint the picture that the unscathed grave will soon be filled, arguably with the force which has caused this disrepair.
"The reds, the whites and abused" is a more clear reference to the abuse of citizens of the United States. However, he does not impune the U.S.A., rather he paints America as either the savior or a victim by calling her "crucified." This could mean that the US itself is the abused, and not her citizens. It could be viewed either way.
"Just let the prophecy unfold, all hell will soon be on its way" could very likely reference the many prophecies that have had attention called to them recently, whether it be the 2012 prophecies of armageddon, DaVinci's encoded panels of armageddon, the Biblical Antichrist, or simply a historical foreshadowing of what happens when a power like the U.S. begins to change direction abruptly, like the Roman Empire, in example.
"You rat," calls on the force or forces that has caused this shift within the U.S., and tells it to leave, though acknowledging that it or they are searching for an alibi, or a way to pawn of the blame. This again hearkens to the opening stanza regarding rhetorical speak. The lyrics above exclude the line "They never went to Sunday Mass." at the close of the stanza following the first chorus. This could infer an accusation of a lack of morality or justice.
In the last bridge, he settles on "They want to see us crawl before they walk away." This finally begins to call out 'they' as a driving force behind change, clarifying somewhat now that the U.S. in and of itself is not the party of blame. It takes on a 1984-esque view of powerful figures, not unlike the political views of many during the 60s and 70s, somewhat shifting the argument that the driving force is, in fact, governmental figures.
While the song itself is more geared toward pointing out the change in America, rather than denouncing figures who have changed it, it does make this final image very clear. However, as previously stated, it does show the United States as a victim to this difference. Bearing in mind the time it was written, particularly who or what it was about is likely deducible.
Although in the first chorus it does sound as if he says something other than "prophecy," the idea that the word is 'hypocrisy' is wrong. Many people have tried to jump to this conclusion in keeping with the idea that the U.S. has been hypocritical. However, this song is not in reference to this mainstream criticism.
The song memorializes the former U.S. and awaits the "hell" that will likely correct the shift in American tradition.
It has Christian overtones in it as well. It sounds a bit like "The Great Tribulation". The bloody mouth could also speak of "Freedom of Speech" not being denied but paying a heavy price for it. Excellent analysis!
It has Christian overtones in it as well. It sounds a bit like "The Great Tribulation". The bloody mouth could also speak of "Freedom of Speech" not being denied but paying a heavy price for it. Excellent analysis!