"cattle prods and the IMF" comments on the Fund's monetary loans to third world countries. The IMF loans millions of dollars to small, underdeveloped states. This would be a nice, humanitarian gesture - if it wasn't for the ridiculous terms of the loans. That country now has no control over their economy, and the IMF ensures that the currency is weakned, that almost all trade is of very little benefit to the small 3rd world country. In essence, the poor 3rd world country is now poorer, and indebted to the IMF, who have given them no opportunities to improve their situation. The regulations concerning the loans are commonly referred to as "The Golden Straitjacket".
The cattle prods, therefore, refer to the way in which poor countries are treated by large, multinational organisations. I think the "riot shields" are referring to the uprising of the people...
The "I trust I can rely on your vote" bit seems to be in irony, for Thom doesn't trust in those leading his country.
And, Jek21, 'electioneering' is the act of canvassing for votes...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this Radiohead's first attempt at a political song?
"cattle prods and the IMF" comments on the Fund's monetary loans to third world countries. The IMF loans millions of dollars to small, underdeveloped states. This would be a nice, humanitarian gesture - if it wasn't for the ridiculous terms of the loans. That country now has no control over their economy, and the IMF ensures that the currency is weakned, that almost all trade is of very little benefit to the small 3rd world country. In essence, the poor 3rd world country is now poorer, and indebted to the IMF, who have given them no opportunities to improve their situation. The regulations concerning the loans are commonly referred to as "The Golden Straitjacket".
The cattle prods, therefore, refer to the way in which poor countries are treated by large, multinational organisations. I think the "riot shields" are referring to the uprising of the people...
The "I trust I can rely on your vote" bit seems to be in irony, for Thom doesn't trust in those leading his country.
And, Jek21, 'electioneering' is the act of canvassing for votes...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this Radiohead's first attempt at a political song?