I was run over by the truth one day.
Ever since the accident I've walked this way
So stick my legs in plaster
Tell me lies about Vietnam.
Heard the alarm clock screaming with pain,
Couldn't find myself so I went back to sleep again
So fill my ears with silver
Stick my legs in plaster
Tell me lies about Vietnam.
Every time I shut my eyes all I see is flames.
Made a marble phone book and I carved out all the names
So coat my eyes with butter
Fill my ears with silver
Stick my legs in plaster
Tell me lies about Vietnam.
This is open to interpretation. When the poem was written Britain was beginning to emerge from post World War Two austerity — but butter was still a luxury. So this could mean that the speaker saw only his desire for luxury goods, rather than poverty and suffering across the world. 
 It could also be a reference to lack of clarity. Eyes need to be kept washed with nature’s clear moisture. Something greasy and foreign like butter would obscure vision.
To Whom It May Concern