The first bassline of the two is quite extensive and lasts for too long perhaps, but if you imagine it shortened you get a good impression of the basic line of the bass for this tune. The idea for the lyrics that boils out of it deals with the fear of compliance in the American working class whose class awareness never elevates them above the threat of poverty or failure and instead fixates their ideals on the American myth that allows every man that works hard enough a life from rags to riches.