the verses are a warning of the imminent danger of societal collapse or overthrow; the kind that historically go unheeded until it's far too late (whoever he's responding to just considers him that old town cryer). this is what happens to every great society in history, i.e. "rome was destroyed, spain was destroyed..." but he also mentions in the chorus that though what we (humanity, specifically capitalist america) have become is an unfamiliar face, it isn't yet too late, and we can shatter this reflection of what we hate if conscious enough.
the verses are a warning of the imminent danger of societal collapse or overthrow; the kind that historically go unheeded until it's far too late (whoever he's responding to just considers him that old town cryer). this is what happens to every great society in history, i.e. "rome was destroyed, spain was destroyed..." but he also mentions in the chorus that though what we (humanity, specifically capitalist america) have become is an unfamiliar face, it isn't yet too late, and we can shatter this reflection of what we hate if conscious enough.