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Old 24.05.2009, 01:32
Mick Mick is offline
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The body of this song is a poetic meditation on freedom and man's relationship to the state ("Saw the people standing, thousand years in chains. Somebody said it's different now, but look it's just the same."), and how when the role of government is changed from the protector of rights to the provider of goods and services, that it is not surprising if it then demands the individual to sacrifice his rights ("Met myself a-comin', county welfare line...Saw myself a-goin', down to war in June...").

The chorus muses about the irony of crying out in the wilderness in an attempt to communicate these complicated thoughts with others when it is difficult enough to simply communicate with one's mate. The complications of communication are further reinforced in the verses ("Richmond about to blow up, communications failed...") and the need to speak up emphasized ("If you see the answer, now's the time to say..."), while describing how the powers that be are able to counteract cries of freedom with propaganda ("Pharaohs spin the message, round and round the truth...") regarding why subjugation of the people is deemed both necessary and proper.

Because of the universal themes addressed and the poetic references employed, the meaning of this song can be applied to many different circumstances. This is a truly great song.
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