First off I want to say that this is the perfect song when it comes to politics in this country.  The status quo remains....there is rhetoric and promises stated on both sides and there is usually a "stalemate" or a "compromise" which always leads to a bigger government in the end with less individual rights.  That said lets talk about the song.

Never had a doubt
In the beginning
Never a doubt
Trusted too true
In the beginning
I loved you right through
Arm in arm we laughed like kids
At all the silly things we did

You made me promises promises
Knowing I'd believe
Promises promises
You knew you'd never keep

Watching this video I see the common American as the man, and government as the woman.  Fitting that the man is in prison, living a life of servitude and the woman(government/politicians) live in a life of luxury.

I love my country as do most Americans.  I never had a doubt that America was a great country that respected individuals.  I grew up celebrating the 4th of July with actual fireworks, parades, watching the summer Olympics in LA in 1984 just to name a few.  I enlisted in the military at 17 to serve the country I loved.  Politicians I saw as being less than honorable, but I trusted them overall and was indifferent to a point on what was going on.  Slowly that respect and trust faded. 

Second time around
I'm still believing words that you said
You said you'd always be here
"In love forever"
Still repeats in my head
You can't finish what you start
If this is love it breaks my heart

You made me promises promises
You knew you'd never keep
Promises promises
Why do I believe

Now I will admit that at first I was going to direct this song at democrats because of these lyrics.  This is Obama's second time around and his followers still eat up every lie and manipulation he throws out there.   They still believe he cares about the little guy over the rich.   But, then I realized that it really applies to all of our politicians...and that if a Republican was in there right now I would be saying the same thing.  Promises, Promises they knew they would never keep. 

Arm in arm we laughed like kids
At all the silly things we did
You can't finish what you start
If this is love it breaks my heart

You made me promises promises
You knew you'd never keep
Promises promises
Why do I believe
All of your promises
You knew you'd never keep
Promises promises
Why do I believe

Promises
Promises
Promises
Promises
Promises

So in the end promises are made by our politicans and the same thing continues.  Corporations make lots of money with contracts and subsidies.   The federal reserve continues its corrupt practice of manipulating and altering our economy to its will.  We commit acts of war on other nations with bombs and sanctions.  Our military industrial complex is as powerful as ever.  All of these things we get along with a shrinking middle class.

So I will sign off highlighting just one small verse of this song.  Pay attention to the words bolded and think of yourself with some black and white striped clothes on with some bars in front of you.

Promises promises
Why do I believe?