Lyrics
Dictator in a polo shirt
Introduction of the leader as a dictator, emphasizing a casual appearance with a polo shirt.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Reiteration of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
A backwards society
Reference to a society that is regressive or behind in its development.
A non-aligned nation can't afford to buy starch
Commentary on the economic challenges of a non-aligned nation, specifically related to laundry expenses.
No chance for dignity in our laundry
Expression of the lack of dignity in the laundry process, possibly metaphorical for the nation's struggles.
When colonial powers were in charge
Historical reference to the time when colonial powers had control.
We send all the mufti to the riverbank
Describes a process of cleaning clothes by sending them to the riverbank, suggesting a primitive method.
Pound it on a rock until it all come white
Continuation of the cleaning process, highlighting the manual effort involved.
Then run it through the wringer while the women crank
Depiction of women's involvement in the laundry process using a wringer.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Repetition of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Reiteration of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
The twentieth century brought us refrigerators
Introduction of technological advancements in the twentieth century, focusing on home appliances.
Dryers, and washers with the built-in agitators
List of modern appliances turning "communist" and metaphorically removing the influence of the colonial powers.
But they all turn communist and kick out the whites
Reference to the remaining population after the departure of colonial powers.
Nothing left but the coloreds and the brights
Highlighting the diversity left in the society after the colonial era.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Repetition of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Reiteration of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
In a bloody coup
Reference to a violent overthrow of power.
The colonials are sent packing
Description of the colonials being forced to leave.
But they take some skills
Recognition of skills possessed by the departing colonials.
That we seem to be lacking
Expresses a lack of similar skills in the current society.
The power fails and the washers all break down
Depiction of a crisis where power fails and essential equipment breaks down.
And the runners bring a message that the rebels are attacking
News of rebel attacks delivered during a moment of crisis.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Repetition of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Reiteration of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
Of the hundred palace guards
Description of a reduced number of palace guards, indicating a loss of support.
Most have run away
Observation that a significant portion of the guards has deserted.
Of the loyal ones, there are but thirty
Confirmation of the loyalty of a smaller group of guards.
They call to me to make a show of strength
Call for a display of strength from the leader, despite difficulties.
But I can't come out
The leader's inability to respond due to a concern about a dirty uniform.
When my uniform is dirty
Expression of a trivial concern in the face of a serious situation.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Repetition of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
Dictator in a polo shirt
Reiteration of the leader's dictatorial role and casual attire.
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