Saints Preserve Us (25 Mix) by KAISERKILLERS is a bitter and sharp-edged attack on the political figure, probably a former UK prime minister, whose actions and character are brought into question. There’s frustration, anger, and urgency in every word, thus making the track both intense and timely. It speaks to a leader whose rise was founded on lies and theft supported by prominent names that shaped the opinion of the public. The repetition of “Will the saints preserve us?” almost feels like a desperate question, pleading either for justice or redemption, though through the song, there is little hope of either.

The lyrics from the outset present a critique of a self-obsessed, indecisive leader who, nevertheless, has reached the top. The use of “the Murdoch shilling” points toward the influence of the press, indicating that this figure did not reach the top by merit but through deceit. This image of lying spills into the rest of the song, reflecting on political corruption and moral bankruptcy. The contrast is bold between the impression created in the public eye versus the reality privately lived: The apparent success was deceitful, reckless. 

The chorus is major in the song, repeating the question of whether “the saints” will step in to save the situation. That line can be interpreted as coming from a higher moral order judging the leader or even the public’s desire to see justice served. The performance of the song, however, seems to belie any such belief. The repetitions mount in a rising cadence, like an insistent demand for an answer that is never forthcoming.

Another powerful part of the song is the description of the leader’s arrogance and his not being interested in anything real. The “disinterested”, “unconcerned” implies his removedness, while the “irreverent adulterer” personalizes the accusation, adding that his failures do not stop at politics. The song also points out the supporting role of the media, specifically the press and the BBC, in the shaping of this opinion. The concept of “gaslighting the conversation” is not only that lies are told from the top, but also top-down. It inevitably leaves in its wake what he describes as “a woeful wake of human devastation”.

That bridge stands out more-than-most, from a litany of accusations, “Entitled, self-obsessed, venal, pocket-lining, faithless, philanderer.” That rapid-fire quality would lend those words momentum as the piece revealed itself via tear-downs, exposure of this leader. “Liar, liar, suit’s on fire” carries acerbity; it almost laughs at just how brazen this lie is. Reference to “fire, fire and re-hire” may indicate the policies that prove to be dangerous for workers but beneficial for the powers. 

The depth of critique continues with final verses comparing him to “the emperor” in the classic tale “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” A fascinating metaphor would be that he thought threads of gold were upon his body, when in fact he was “butt naked as the day,” depicting his false sense of self-importance. The “paymasters” sending him shopping lists imply his efforts are not aligned with public concern but instead set by who pay for these political games. How the clear line here then is “How do we know the PM lies? Because his lips are moving,” as clear a condemnation it gets within this song, and very clearly detailing in no uncertain terms that lies abound and come both expected and uninterrupted.

The song ends with an image of downfall: a “house of cards” ready to fall, a “charlatan” going down the Styx, the river in Greek mythology associated with the underworld. This last image is particularly striking; it seems to hint that justice cannot be avoided, that those who rise through corruption will fall.

Overall, “Saints Preserve Us (25 Mix)” is a brilliantly inked political critique, with cutting, evocative language meant to peel lies and corruption open. The lyrical delivery herein is impassioned, filled with anger and a sense of urgency, as the listener realizes pretty quickly that KAISERKILLERS question the leadership-actually, are demanding answers from them. Such intensity in itself, combined with wordplay worthy of notice, makes for quite a piece-always relevant and, most surely, lyrically powerful.