O.D
Pamela Means Lyrics

Iraq Iran
The countries of Iraq and Iran are referenced in relation to the actions of the United States government.

North Korea try to stand
North Korea, another country on the United States' radar, is mentioned.

Bush, Bin Laden and Saddam
George W. Bush, Osama Bin Laden, and Saddam Hussein are all mentioned in the same breath, likely as persons who had a significant impact on the world around the time of the song's writing.

Each of them with dirty hands
The aforementioned individuals are all viewed as being in some way morally compromised, possibly through their complicity in the war in Iraq or other geopolitical conflicts.

Meet Dick Cheney oil merchant
Dick Cheney, a former oil executive, is introduced as a key player in shaping United States foreign policy.

Former head of Halliburton
A reference to Cheney's role as the former CEO of Halliburton, an energy company involved in numerous controversies over the years.

Had an oil transport plan
Cheney is mentioned as having had ideas about how to move oil around the world, likely to benefit American interests.

A pipeline through Afghanistan
One of the specific proposals attributed to Cheney was a pipeline through Afghanistan, which is mentioned here as a symbol of the United States' efforts to exert its influence over the region.

Then Chairman Cheney left the post
Cheney's resignation from Halliburton after he became Vice President is referenced here.

To join the George who lost the vote
Cheney was Vice President to George W. Bush, who won the Presidency in 2000 despite losing the popular vote.

Now next in line he often quotes
Cheney is mentioned as someone who is still actively involved in American politics, despite no longer holding office.

Whispering of ancient Rome
The idea of American empire, which is a recurring theme in the song, is likened to the Roman Empire in this line.

The cause of economic toil
The United States' desire for oil, and its willingness to engage in wars to secure it, is presented as a major source of economic instability around the world.

Is disruption of the oil
The idea that disruptions to the flow of oil can lead to economic instability is reiterated here.

Greet the dawn of an American peace
A tongue-in-cheek reference to the idea of 'American peace' in the context of the United States' history of military interventionism.

A new world order century
A reference to the idea of a 'New World Order', which has been used to describe various political realignments and power shifts in history.

We need more military bases
A call for the United States to expand its military presence across the globe in order to further its geopolitical agenda.

To force feed American faces
The idea that the United States uses its military might to impose its values and way of life on other nations is presented here.

On each and every continent
The extent of the United States' global reach is emphasized in this line.

With resources to compliment
The idea that the United States' military might is backed up by a vast array of economic and natural resources.

Our addiction to affluence
The idea that the United States' desire for wealth and material comfort drives its foreign policy decisions.

And the whims of pretend presidents
A critique of American democracy and the idea that the country is run by 'pretend presidents' who are beholden to special interests.

The stage is set for a ruler to enter
The idea that America is ripe for authoritarianism is presented in this line.

Stormtroopers will stop dissenters
A reference to the use of force to silence political opposition in authoritarian regimes.

Rome did not negotiate
A reference to the Roman Empire's use of force to impose its will on the world.

Mapped the land and laid to waste
A description of the devastating impact of colonialism and imperialism on indigenous populations.

I am Caesar, I am George
A comparison between the power and influence of ancient emperors like Julius Caesar and modern politicians like George W. Bush.

My empire is well on course
A statement of confidence in the United States' future as a dominant global power.

Well, of course
A sarcastic acknowledgement that the views expressed in the song are not widely shared by the American public or political establishment.

I got a fine penthouse in Washington
A reference to the luxurious lifestyles enjoyed by many American politicians and bureaucrats.

Kick back and watch the Potomac run
An allusion to the leisurely pace of life enjoyed by America's political elite.

Patio's perched toward the setting sun
A description of the opulent surroundings in which many politicians live and work.

Bought the oval office I am my daddy's son
A reference to the controversial election of George W. Bush in 2000, which was seen by many as having been influenced by his father's political connections and influence.