As the video progresses, a large bouquet of roses appears and viewers see Wainwright with a bed cot.

As his arms are spread out and straight across, and light is cast upon him as if by divine intervention, this image is clearly meant to symbolize a crucifixion.

He claims the burning roses symbolize "purification by fire", representing the United States--"beautiful, but thorny."

Admitting "Going to a Town" is more about birth than destruction, he believes Americans (at the time the video was made) need to "change things" and "make sacrifices".

In the video, Wainwright wears a suit created by American fashion designer Marc Jacobs.