Isn't it wonderful that a song can be so multi-dimensional? This discussion reminds me of one of my college poetry classes. It is fascinating to hear so many different takes on the meaning of this song. In my mind, this shows that unlike so much music in this world, that there are still artists that can appeal to a cerebral audience which can appreciate the Escheresque complexity of this work of musical art.

"I used to rule the world" = George W. Bush reflecting on his Presidency and subsequent lack of approval. "Seas would rise when I gave the word" = Commander-in-Chief executing naval strikes. "Now the old king is dead, long live the king" = George H. W. Bush no longer in power, son George W. Bush to return to "strike fear in (his) enemy's eyes". "Castles stand on pillars of salt / pillars of sand" = Twin pillars, World Trade Center, also referred to as the doors that were blown down to let him in, I. E. Doors representing World Trade blowing down with "shattered windows and the sound of drums" and giving him the incentive to start the war on terror, with revolutionaries waiting for his "head on a silver plate". "Jerusalem (Israel / Judaism) bells are ringing" "Roman (Christian Church) cavalry choirs are singing" = It has become aligned to be a holy war against Islamic jihad. "Be my mirror, my sword and shield, Missionaries in a foreign field" = Seeking allies in the "war against terror". "I know St. Peter (Pope) won't / will call my name" = Pope initially won't, then will condone the "war against terror". "Never an honest word" = Bad intel and misleading information to initiate and perpetuate the "war against terror".