Lyrics
I saw the savior on the streets today
I observed a person who is considered a savior in society, present on the streets.
He was so fucked up you know
This savior figure appears to be in a distressed and troubled state.
He has lost his way
The savior seems to have lost his way or purpose in life.
I said Hey Mister can you spare some change?
I asked the person for some money, indicating a request for help or assistance.
He looked at me and laughed, said
The person laughed, claiming to have significant challenges or struggles ("hell to pay").
I've got hell to pay
Reflection on the difficulties and challenges associated with pursuing the American Dream.
The American Dream
Reference to the overarching theme of the American Dream, a central idea throughout the lyrics.
He took me by the hand and led me to a grave
The person guides the narrator to a grave, specifically that of George Washington, symbolizing decay and corruption in a revered figure.
It was George Washington's all rotten and decayed
An exploration of the deterioration of historical figures and ideals associated with the American Dream.
A hooker standing there said, money buys it all
A prostitute suggests that money can corrupt or influence everything.
I looked at him and saw a bloody tear drop fall
The narrator witnesses a tear from the savior, possibly expressing sorrow or disappointment.
The American Dream
Reiteration of the central theme, highlighting the disillusionment associated with the American Dream.
She smothered her crack baby to silence the screams
A shocking image of a mother killing her crack-addicted baby to silence its cries, illustrating the harsh realities of life.
thousands died in vietnam but the end justifies the means
A commentary on the moral cost of the Vietnam War, questioning whether the outcomes justify the means.
the postal worker blew everyone away
A reference to a violent incident involving a postal worker, reflecting the darker aspects of society.
these are the dreams of Americans today
The dreams mentioned here represent the distorted aspirations of Americans in the present.
He grabbed me by the shirt and shrieked into my face
The savior forcefully questions the narrator about the decline of the once-great nation.
What the fuck happened to this once great place
The narrator expresses frustration at the deteriorating state of the nation.
I pushed him back and said, Get the fuck away.
The narrator rejects the savior's intrusive approach and demands distance.
Kids just dream of guns and death in the good ole U.S.A.
An observation that children aspire to violence and death, suggesting a grim perspective on American values.
The American Dream
A closing statement that summarizes the overall theme of the song, emphasizing the contrast between the idealized dream and the harsh reality.
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