Elvis Costello wrote this song about Thatcher, but it could be about W.

[Modem Butterfly]

I saw a newspaper picture
From a political campaign
A woman was kissing a child who was obviously in pain
She spills with compassion as that child face in her hands she grips
Can you imagine all that greed
And avarice coming down on that child's lips?

Well I hope I don't die too soon
I pray the lord my soul to save
Yes I'll be a good boy
I'm trying so hard to behave
Because there's one thing I know
I'd like to live long enough to savor
That's when they finally put you in the ground
I'll stand on your grave
And tramp the dirt down.

When England was the world
Margaret was her madam
And the future looked as bright and as clear
As the black tarmacadam
Well I hope that she sleeps well at night
Isn't haunted by every tiny detail
When she held that lovely face in her hands
All she thought of was betrayal

And now the cynical ones
Say that it all ends the same in the long run
Try telling that to the desperate father
Who just squeezed the life from his only son
And how it's only voices in your head
And dreams you never dreamt
Try telling him the subtle difference
Between justice and contempt.
Try telling me she isn't angry
With this pitiful discontent
When they flaunt it in your face
As you line up for punishment
And then expect you to say "thank-you"
Straighten up, look proud and pleased
Because you've only got the symptoms
You haven't got the whole disease.
Just like a school boy who's head's like a tincan
Filled up with dreams then poured down the drain
Try telling that to the boys from both sides
Being blown to bits or beaten and maimed
Who takes all the glory and none of the shame.

Well I hope you live long now
I pray the Lord your soul to keep
I think I'll be going before
We fold our arms and start to weep
I never thought for a moment
That human life could be so cheap
But when they finally put you in the ground
They'll stand there laughing
And tramp the dirt down

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. I probably listen to that song once a week

I love the entire Spike CD...another Du'er and I were talking about that a couple years ago..sums up Bush perfectly

[Modem Butterfly]

3. That's a great disc

I bought it when I was a college freshman. It's still amazing.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

7. Some days I feel like "God's Comic"

It's funny that Veronica was the only one on that disc that got airplay...it was probably my least favorite.

The guy has been prolific. I don't think there's anything he's done that I dislike. But Spike remains my favorite...I like every song on that one..I've got the special edition disc that has most of the songs done acoustically as well

[salin]

9. Always have to respond when I make an appearance in a reference...

per a politician kissing a baby: can you imagine all of the avarice coming down on that child's lips...

Such a classic song. So very underknown. And so very timely, today.

[Modem Butterfly]

2. You know, it wasn't until Iraq that I really understood this song

Oh, I knew what the words meant. But I had no idea someone could be so angry with a politician, or that such anger could be so very justified.

[hibbing]

4. Masters of War

Bold part about the grave reminds me of the fantastic
Bob Dylan song Masters of War.

And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I'll watch while you're lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I'll stand o'er your grave
'Til I'm sure that you're dead

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. Add With God on Our Side to that list

Welcome to DU :hi:

[hibbing]

8. another dylan fan I take it?

Thanks for the welcome!

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

6. Ah, my fav line is wrong in your post!

When England was the whore of the world
Margaret was her madam

There, that's better.

[blondeatlast]

10. "Shipbuilding" is another song that is oddly evocative of current

events.

One of the most mournful songs ever.

http://www.songfacts.com/detail.lasso?id=2829