Like trippysq said, this seems like more of a commentary on American politics than an outright protest song. I say that because some of the lyrics seem to reference historical controversies, and rant on certain policies he doesn't agree with moving forward through time.
The first verse is simple enough. He's expressing his desire to rise up (people's sun) and lead a revolution (brand new day).
The second verse references Mount McKinley which had been known as Denali by the Alaskan natives until some politician changed the name to support William McKinley's presidential campaign. I'm not sure what the beef is with Washington state, but I'm assuming something similar. I think the last two lines about the dowry are about women's rights (or the lack thereof) in the old days when men would essentially sell their daughters as soon as they had "flowered" for better political standing.
The next verse I think is a reference to the atom bombs because cockroaches are said to be resistant to radiation, and there are those black and white silent clips of the mushroom clouds from the explosions. Thus, "there was nothing left but the cockroaches and a movie with no sound!" The first part of the verse is questioning how the crews of the Enola Gay and Bockscar could find the moral grounds to follow the order to drop the bombs. "You couldn't figure out what mercy meant so you did like you were told." (ironically i just read something about how both of those planes were built in Omaha, Conor's home town)
The fourth verse is a little trickier and seems to get away from the political theme of the others. I'm not familiar with Hunter Thompson, but I believe Hemingway killed himself mainly out of frustration with his writing career. So "it all catches up with you" is probably referring to people's struggle to find success and the pressure they feel because of it.
The fifth verse is more straightforward. I don't know what lie he's talking about that's being propagated, but he's clearly as angry about the current economic situation as anyone.
The sixth verse is a shot at upper class society types as well as the military higher ups. Omaha Beach was of course the sight of the allied invasion of wwII.
the chorus seems to be a criticism of the american presidency in general. The roosevelt room is a room in the white house where the president meets with his cabinet.
That's all I've got, sorry it's a little long-winded.
Like trippysq said, this seems like more of a commentary on American politics than an outright protest song. I say that because some of the lyrics seem to reference historical controversies, and rant on certain policies he doesn't agree with moving forward through time.
The first verse is simple enough. He's expressing his desire to rise up (people's sun) and lead a revolution (brand new day).
The second verse references Mount McKinley which had been known as Denali by the Alaskan natives until some politician changed the name to support William McKinley's presidential campaign. I'm not sure what the beef is with Washington state, but I'm assuming something similar. I think the last two lines about the dowry are about women's rights (or the lack thereof) in the old days when men would essentially sell their daughters as soon as they had "flowered" for better political standing.
The next verse I think is a reference to the atom bombs because cockroaches are said to be resistant to radiation, and there are those black and white silent clips of the mushroom clouds from the explosions. Thus, "there was nothing left but the cockroaches and a movie with no sound!" The first part of the verse is questioning how the crews of the Enola Gay and Bockscar could find the moral grounds to follow the order to drop the bombs. "You couldn't figure out what mercy meant so you did like you were told." (ironically i just read something about how both of those planes were built in Omaha, Conor's home town)
The fourth verse is a little trickier and seems to get away from the political theme of the others. I'm not familiar with Hunter Thompson, but I believe Hemingway killed himself mainly out of frustration with his writing career. So "it all catches up with you" is probably referring to people's struggle to find success and the pressure they feel because of it.
The fifth verse is more straightforward. I don't know what lie he's talking about that's being propagated, but he's clearly as angry about the current economic situation as anyone.
The sixth verse is a shot at upper class society types as well as the military higher ups. Omaha Beach was of course the sight of the allied invasion of wwII.
the chorus seems to be a criticism of the american presidency in general. The roosevelt room is a room in the white house where the president meets with his cabinet.
That's all I've got, sorry it's a little long-winded.