Meaning of "Bettie Page" by Public Image Ltd.

The lyrics of "Bettie Page" reflect on the multifaceted nature of America, portraying it as a country of both freedom and repression. The reference to Bettie Page, a symbol of sexual liberation in the 1950s, highlights the tension between societal expectations and individual desires. The song explores the idea of America as a place where contradictions coexist, from the image of the free and brave to the darker undercurrents of the pornographic industry. The repeated mention of stripping down to the stars and stripes can be seen as a commentary on the country's obsession with patriotic symbols and the ways in which these symbols can be both empowering and limiting. Overall, the lyrics capture a sense of rebellion, longing, and the complex relationship between personal freedom and societal norms.