I don't think the song necessarily seeks to discredit any particular political philosophy so much as it communicates a certain disdain for elected officials in general. With regard to the left and right ends of the political spectrum, the lyrics, "He comes in from the left sometimes; he comes in from the right," suggest that a candidate's political party doesn't matter. He seems to be primarily focused on reelection and self-preservation regardless of his affiliations. As such, most candidates -- conservative, liberal, etc. -- are about the same once elected. (i.e. "President Gas is President Gas again.")
I think you are right. I wondered at the term 'president' considering that they are English but 'president' has three solid syllables whereas 'prime minister' is a bit clunky. More importantly though, it reinforces that they don't care that much about specific countries and specific variations of political philosophies within the basic, democratic paradigm. The whole point of the song seems to me to be, 'It doesn't make any damn difference; I still can't afford a bloody doctor'. Personally, I think its more a resigned cynicism, rather than any sort of call to arms.
I think you are right. I wondered at the term 'president' considering that they are English but 'president' has three solid syllables whereas 'prime minister' is a bit clunky. More importantly though, it reinforces that they don't care that much about specific countries and specific variations of political philosophies within the basic, democratic paradigm. The whole point of the song seems to me to be, 'It doesn't make any damn difference; I still can't afford a bloody doctor'. Personally, I think its more a resigned cynicism, rather than any sort of call to arms.
I don't think the song necessarily seeks to discredit any particular political philosophy so much as it communicates a certain disdain for elected officials in general. With regard to the left and right ends of the political spectrum, the lyrics, "He comes in from the left sometimes; he comes in from the right," suggest that a candidate's political party doesn't matter. He seems to be primarily focused on reelection and self-preservation regardless of his affiliations. As such, most candidates -- conservative, liberal, etc. -- are about the same once elected. (i.e. "President Gas is President Gas again.")
I think you are right. I wondered at the term 'president' considering that they are English but 'president' has three solid syllables whereas 'prime minister' is a bit clunky. More importantly though, it reinforces that they don't care that much about specific countries and specific variations of political philosophies within the basic, democratic paradigm. The whole point of the song seems to me to be, 'It doesn't make any damn difference; I still can't afford a bloody doctor'. Personally, I think its more a resigned cynicism, rather than any sort of call to arms.
I think you are right. I wondered at the term 'president' considering that they are English but 'president' has three solid syllables whereas 'prime minister' is a bit clunky. More importantly though, it reinforces that they don't care that much about specific countries and specific variations of political philosophies within the basic, democratic paradigm. The whole point of the song seems to me to be, 'It doesn't make any damn difference; I still can't afford a bloody doctor'. Personally, I think its more a resigned cynicism, rather than any sort of call to arms.