Lyric discussion by ggrichards 

When one understands the underpinnings of soceity, the propaganda and money powers that manipulate societies one truly understands the meaning of this song. Mean stride, mean pride (Tom Sawyer, the hidden hand behind nations, governments.) What you say about his company Is what you say about society When you question this power of the tyrants (the hidden hand), you are questioning the decency of society itself. They have made it so through mass media manipulation, to make you feel guilty about questioning them. Catch the mist, catch the myth Catch the mystery, catch the drift. That is the mystery. We're being lead around by con men and bullshiters. No, his mind is not for rent To any god or government (The powers that be have no homeland and answer to no one. Don't put him (them) down as arrogant His(there) reserve, a quiet defense Riding out the day's events The river

Excellent! Neil Pert never writes BS. His meanings are for the thinkers. You nailed it. He always writes in parables and your explanation is the essence of the song.

Hi, ggrichards. That's a very good analysis of the meaning of the lyrics. I never gave it that much thought before I came in here. Guess I'll have to start thinking now, damn it! Wonder why some dudes get so tetchy about things - nobody can say for sure what the creator really meant except him/herself. I write 'poems' when in the mood and I'm guessing not many would interpret what I meant the lyrics to mean.

Wow. I had thought Tom Sawyer was to the lyricists what Roark or Galt was to Rand. I never conceived that Tom Sawyer could be the machine. I noticed there is a fear in sniffing out the lion in the den. More comforting to talk about one's ability to do so, to show one knows what's up...but still telling and not showing.

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