The song "God Bless America (Pat MacDonald Must Die)" by James McMurtry is a satirical commentary on corporate greed, oil dependency, and war. The lyrics mock the idea that America's actions are always justified under the guise of spreading democracy and protecting national interests. The opening verses introduce the image of three corporate executives in an SUV, representing the greed and power of corporations. The lines "That thing don't run on french fry grease, That thing don't run on love and peace" emphasize the dependence on oil and the lack of consideration for alternative, sustainable sources of energy. The chorus, "Take us to the land of milk and honey, Sing and dance all night long, What you gonna do with all that money, What you gonna do when the money's all gone," highlights the superficial desires of wealth and pleasure, and the consequences that follow. The latter part of the song tackles the topic of war for oil, and questions the morality of America's military actions. The lines "Negotiation's just no fun, And it don't serve our interests none, Gonna turn up the heat till it comes to a boil, The'n we’ll go git that A-rab oil" suggest an eagerness to resort to violence instead of seeking diplomatic solutions. The phrase "Everyday's the end of days for some, Republicans don't cut and run" criticizes the Republican political party for their hawkish foreign policies and the disregard for the human cost of war. The title of the song, "God Bless America (Pat MacDonald Must Die)" is a play on the patriotic phrase "God bless America," and the name of Pat MacDonald, who is likely a fictional character. The title suggests that someone who embodies the negative traits of American corporate and political culture must "die" or be metaphorically killed off for true progress and change to occur. Overall, "God Bless America (Pat MacDonald Must Die)" is a biting critique of America's reliance on oil and its aggressive foreign policies. McMurtry uses satire to highlight the flaws and contradictions in American society, and questions the values and priorities of the nation.
