White and Perfect
Imperial Conquest: Themes of Power and Legacy in 'White and Perfect'
Lyrics
Here comes the Englishman
Introducing an Englishman into the narrative.
Perfect in his perfection
Describing the Englishman as flawless and impeccable.
Steals like a thief and runs
Depicting the Englishman as a thief who takes and escapes.
Turns you round to his religion
Suggesting the Englishman's influence in converting others to his beliefs.
We will take Africa, rule Britannia
Expressing a desire to take control of Africa under the banner of Britannia.
We shall have India, rule Britannia
Expressing a similar desire to rule India under Britannia.
To save the world
Emphasizing a mission to save the world.
We take our world
Asserting ownership and responsibility for their world.
White and perfect
Highlighting the superiority of being "white and perfect."
Shine brightly, while you can
Encouraging a bright and shining existence while it lasts.
White and mighty and all knowing
Reiterating the notion of being white, mighty, and all-knowing.
Now that your time is done,
Acknowledging the end of a certain era or dominance.
Over-rated and outdated
Diminishing the previous superiority as overrated and outdated.
Give me my Africa, rule Britannia,
Repeating the ambition to rule Africa under Britannia.
I shall have India, rule Britannia
Repeating the ambition to rule India under Britannia.
To save the world
Restating the mission to save the world.
We take our world
Reiterating ownership and responsibility for their world.
Save the world
Emphasizing the imperative to save the world.
Save the world
Repeating the urgent call to save the world.
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