bribook, i agree, but i think your interpretation is too narrow. I don't think it's merely about politicians, but anyone in a position of power, including radio & TV talking heads like Beck, Limbaugh or Schultz that can persuade people to follow a course of action that is in the charismatic leader's self-interest not yours.
The power can also extend outside the purely political arena to include ultra-charismatic CEOs or Wall Street types hyping their companies or the next bubble, respectively. Could also be an actor or a musician convincing people to get behind a cause they support. Or, more simply, a charismatic friend who can get you to fulfill his will. Or even a boss or teacher or professor.
I think the broader interpretation is supported by the following lines:
"I can't think what lines you'd like me to sing or say,
Not sure what subjects you want mentioned.
So pause and add your own intentions."
To me the point of these lines is to tell the listener that this charismatic individual will emerge throughout your life in many different forms, in many different areas of your life. He/she will unhesitatingly lead you to act in his narrow interest which is not necessarily aligned with yours and, when and if necessary, he/she will cut you loose in the end -- for example, send you to die in battle (blood in dying coughs), vote for politicians whose agenda is actually opposite your self-interest, get you fired, get you arrested, etc..
There is something very Nietzschean ("Thus Spoke Zarathustra") about the lyrics, and, yes, Ayn Randian (don't think that's a word :-) )
Ultimately, it's a cautionary tale to look out for yourself because those entrusted to do so will always put their own interests ahead of yours.
bribook, i agree, but i think your interpretation is too narrow. I don't think it's merely about politicians, but anyone in a position of power, including radio & TV talking heads like Beck, Limbaugh or Schultz that can persuade people to follow a course of action that is in the charismatic leader's self-interest not yours.
The power can also extend outside the purely political arena to include ultra-charismatic CEOs or Wall Street types hyping their companies or the next bubble, respectively. Could also be an actor or a musician convincing people to get behind a cause they support. Or, more simply, a charismatic friend who can get you to fulfill his will. Or even a boss or teacher or professor.
I think the broader interpretation is supported by the following lines:
"I can't think what lines you'd like me to sing or say, Not sure what subjects you want mentioned. So pause and add your own intentions."
To me the point of these lines is to tell the listener that this charismatic individual will emerge throughout your life in many different forms, in many different areas of your life. He/she will unhesitatingly lead you to act in his narrow interest which is not necessarily aligned with yours and, when and if necessary, he/she will cut you loose in the end -- for example, send you to die in battle (blood in dying coughs), vote for politicians whose agenda is actually opposite your self-interest, get you fired, get you arrested, etc..
There is something very Nietzschean ("Thus Spoke Zarathustra") about the lyrics, and, yes, Ayn Randian (don't think that's a word :-) )
Ultimately, it's a cautionary tale to look out for yourself because those entrusted to do so will always put their own interests ahead of yours.
Great interpretation of my second favorite track on this album. Danneskjold, you have a brilliant way of of perceiving things.
Great interpretation of my second favorite track on this album. Danneskjold, you have a brilliant way of of perceiving things.