Meaning of "Any Old Iron" by Peter Sellers

The lyrics of "Any Old Iron" by Peter Sellers seem to satirize the idea of material possessions and appearance as markers of social status. The protagonist receives a watch and chain that he perceives as making him look fashionable, yet the repeated refrain of "Any old iron?" suggests that others view these items as worthless and outdated. The mockery he faces from children, the mayor, and even at his wedding highlights how superficial people can be in judging others based on external appearances rather than true worth. The song may be commenting on society's obsession with materialism and the importance placed on superficial indicators of status, cautioning against the folly of valuing material possessions over genuine qualities.