Lyric discussion by b767 

Cover art for Calamity Song lyrics by Decemberists, The

I think Panamanian Child and The Dowager Empress might refer to John Mcain and Sarah Palin. John Mcain was born in Panama and ironically (because of Obama's birth questions) would not have been eligible to be president at the time of his birth. The Dowager Empress was a powerful and charismatic figure who became the de facto ruler of the Manchu Qing Dynasty in China for 47 years from 1861 to her death in 1908.

I think the Dowager Empress is Cindy McCain, who often wore extravagant clothes and lots of make-up. Also fits with John McCain as the Panamanian.

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