Lyrics
We don't torture, we're a civilized nation
We emphasize our nation's commitment to avoiding torture and promoting civilization.
We're avoiding any confontation
We steer clear of any conflicts or confrontations.
We don't torture, we don't torture
Reiteration of the refusal to engage in torture.
American hostages
Reference to American hostages held in Iran.
In Iran
Specifically mentioning the location of the hostages.
Heard daily on the news
The news reports about the hostages are a constant presence.
Forget about Vietnam
Encouragement to forget or overlook the Vietnam War.
You can ignore the 32
Suggesting indifference towards the plight of 32 individuals.
There are 32 women in Armagh jail
Highlighting the number of women in Armagh jail.
Political prisoners here at home
Reference to political prisoners within the country.
The British state's got nothing to lose
Indicating the British state's lack of concern or risk.
It's a subject better left alone -
Suggesting that the topic is better avoided or left unaddressed.
We don't torture
Reiteration of the refusal to engage in torture.
We're a civilized nation
Reaffirming the nation's commitment to being civilized.
We're avoiding
Reiterating the avoidance of confrontation.
Any confontation
Reiteration of the refusal to engage in torture.
We don't torture
Emphasizing the rejection of torture.
Alleged crimes withheld information
Referring to alleged crimes and the withholding of information.
She gets no sanitation
Describing the poor conditions, particularly lack of sanitation.
Dries her shit on her cell wall
Depicting a grim image of the prisoner drying excrement on the cell wall.
Feeling cold and sick
Illustrating the prisoner's physical discomfort and illness.
She gets a couple of valium
Describing the administration of valium to the prisoner.
Now she's relaxed for the next interrogation
Implies that the drug is given to prepare for interrogation.
Naked spreadeagled on her back
Describing a vulnerable position for the prisoner during interrogation.
It's a better position for internal examination
Suggesting the positioning is for internal examination.
It's a better position for giving information
Highlighting the strategic positioning for extracting information.
An armed guard squad she gets a beating
Depicting a violent encounter with an armed guard squad.
Bleeding and wounded she's stopped eating
Describing the physical consequences of the guard's actions.
Has a baby gets nothing for pain they came and took
Narrating the hardship of a prisoner who has a baby taken away.
Her baby away
Describing the separation of a mother and her child.
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