This is a somewhat darker interpretation, but to me this song sounds like it is about World War II.
"I thought of angels, choking on their halos"
This sounds like what Hitler and the Nazis were saying, and the Jews are considered God's chosen people, hence why they are called angels.
"Anything you say can and will be held against you,
So only say my name, it will be held against you"
This may be about how when the Nazi Party gains control, the people have to follow him or they will be jailed. Also, saying "my name will be held against you" is talking about how Germany will not be able to shake the shadow of Hitler for years to come and the Nazis will pay for their loyalty down the road.
"If heaven's grief brings hell's reign" (I think this is the correct homophone, not sure)
"then I'd trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday"
This could be about how Europeans living under the Nazi occupation would desperately miss the times before the war, when they didn't have to worry for their lives.
Now, the second stanza really makes me think of WWII! This would be describing what is going on in Russia at this time.
"Letting people down is my thing, baby
Find yourself a new gig, this town ain't big enough for two of us"
This may be talking about how Stalin forces Trotsky to leave the country so that he can be sole ruler.
"I don't have the right name
Or the right looks, but I have twice the heart"
This would be talking about how Lenin has died, and even though he is gone, Stalin will try to rule and continue his legacy.
The chorus again could be talking about how the people would come to regret supporting Stalin as the country suffered through starvation and worse, and they miss the old days when they new peace.
Again, I know this sounds pretty crazy, this is just my interpretation! Probably not what FOB intended but it has some parallels.
This is a somewhat darker interpretation, but to me this song sounds like it is about World War II.
"I thought of angels, choking on their halos" This sounds like what Hitler and the Nazis were saying, and the Jews are considered God's chosen people, hence why they are called angels.
"Anything you say can and will be held against you, So only say my name, it will be held against you" This may be about how when the Nazi Party gains control, the people have to follow him or they will be jailed. Also, saying "my name will be held against you" is talking about how Germany will not be able to shake the shadow of Hitler for years to come and the Nazis will pay for their loyalty down the road.
"If heaven's grief brings hell's reign" (I think this is the correct homophone, not sure) "then I'd trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday" This could be about how Europeans living under the Nazi occupation would desperately miss the times before the war, when they didn't have to worry for their lives.
Now, the second stanza really makes me think of WWII! This would be describing what is going on in Russia at this time.
"Letting people down is my thing, baby Find yourself a new gig, this town ain't big enough for two of us" This may be talking about how Stalin forces Trotsky to leave the country so that he can be sole ruler.
"I don't have the right name Or the right looks, but I have twice the heart" This would be talking about how Lenin has died, and even though he is gone, Stalin will try to rule and continue his legacy.
The chorus again could be talking about how the people would come to regret supporting Stalin as the country suffered through starvation and worse, and they miss the old days when they new peace.
Again, I know this sounds pretty crazy, this is just my interpretation! Probably not what FOB intended but it has some parallels.