I agree with Sir Larrikin and ThunderBoy's very insightful and thought-provoking points on looking at the lyrics. But in response to Sir Larrikin, I'd probably say that the "torpedo in the vest," 'barking his orders' is a military leader threatening his followers to stay under him. You'd be pretty threatened by a torpedo, and a shiny-badged vest would be a symbol of his being a military leader.
I agree with Sir Larrikin and ThunderBoy's very insightful and thought-provoking points on looking at the lyrics. But in response to Sir Larrikin, I'd probably say that the "torpedo in the vest," 'barking his orders' is a military leader threatening his followers to stay under him. You'd be pretty threatened by a torpedo, and a shiny-badged vest would be a symbol of his being a military leader.