This is a topic that has caused much debate amongst scholars over the years. The modern consensus, as suggested by this study. was that Jesus was Middle-Eastern. Even the Bible suggests this was his ethnicity.

Revelations 1:14-16 says His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass,

His appearance has been altered over the years from black to white and everything in between.

Another name for The Nation Of Islam. They were often called this because they identified as Muslim, and the vast majority of their members are African-American. Despite this declaration, they differ on many issues from Orthodox Islam.

The Dictator refers to Batista. He was Castro’s direct opposite in the Cuban Revolution. Ironically, he himself had over thrown the previous government with an armed revolt so should have learned from the line; what goes around, comes around.

He rule was riddled with corruption and crime. The guerrillas fought against him with suicidal means (as seen in The Godfather Two)

JFK seems to have summed it up best:

Fulgencio Batista murdered 20,000 Cubans in 7 years — a greater proportion of the Cuban population than the proportion of Americans who died in both World Wars, and he turned democratic Cuba into a complete police state — destroying every individual liberty.

Cuartel Moncada, was the place where Castro led the first attack of what was to become the Cuban Revolution. Castro lost more men than the Government forces and was slung in Jail. The attack can be ruled as a failure.

But never let facts get in the way of the story

Castro refers to the first Cuban-Spanish was, the so called Ten Years War from 1868. While Spain won the war, fairly easily the conflict continued into several more wars and eventually led to this moment. Castro is drawing on the past of the country and claiming the achievements as worthy. (Even though they were often achieved by people he fought against)

Mason’s are the famous gentleman’s club that has been accused of running the world conspiring with aliens and Devil worship. In reality the truth is that they just sit around in a hall.

The Elk Club is a similar fraternal organization. Famous members include Ben Affleck,Truman and Roosevelt. There does not seem to be any conspiracy around this lot, probably cause they are too powerful!

Check out these internal rhymes on display. Remember this film was made in 1967, years before mainstream hip hop. If you like this technique go check of an artist like Mf Doom.

When you look under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants

Or even a stroke, heart attack, heart disease
It ain’t no starting back once arteries start to squeeze

Shoutout to the idea of Mother Nature. The idea comes from many ancient civilizations who had earth mother gods. The most famous is probably Demeter the Greek goddess of the harvest.

There is a double entendre here. Tom skillfully adds his natural sex appeal to the line to make the second, dirtier reference.

After all there is fun:

AND THEN THERE’S FUN

Stalin is referring to the Soviet led ‘Prague Offensive. The actual date of the Soviet victory was the 11th of May, two days after this speech and three days after the Nazi Surrender.