In a statement made to the Current, lead singer Colin Meloy explained the motivation behind the tune:

“Well, it’s inspired a little bit by the guy who’s currently in the White House. I think it was written initially during the campaign, before the election, just sort of exploring that tone of voice that he was taking. The character in the song, the first-person character, is a demagogue, absolutely, so it was an exploration of, “What is demagoguery, and where does it come from?” as we were seeing this very public figure express these kind of insane and incredible sentiments in public. Of course, I think the song took on a different life once he was actually elected. But yeah, it’s sort of an exploration of the voice of a demagogue, and so hopefully people will find it reviling. I can only hope.”

Lyrics that resonate include: “I alone am the answer / I alone will make wrongs right / But in order to root out the cancer / It’s got to be kept from the sunlight”. Trump presents himself has the only one that can solve America’s problem and the MAGA supporters buy into it. They are willing to turn a blind to hateful polices enforced by the administration. There is a danger when you’re not alert to current realities. The tune serves as a poignant reminder that democracy dies in the dark.