It's a coincidence (or maybe not) that you should post that verse of Mark Twain's song as Bruce used to sing a version of it back when.

The lyrics had relevance back in the sixties as, sadly, they still do today. As you say: Plus ça change.

The Battle Hymn Of The Republic, Updated
Mark Twain

    Mine eyes have seen the orgy of the launching of the Sword;
    He is searching out the hoardings where the stranger's wealth is stored;
    He hath loosed his fateful lightnings, and with woe and death has scored;
    His lust is marching on.

    I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;
    They have builded him an altar in the Eastern dews and damps;
    I have read his doomful mission by the dim and flaring lamps --
    His night is marching on.

    I have read his bandit gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
    "As ye deal with my pretensions, so with you my wrath shall deal;
    Let the faithless son of Freedom crush the patriot with his heel;
    Lo, Greed is marching on!"

    We have legalized the strumpet and are guarding her retreat;
    Greed is seeking out commercial souls before his judgement seat;
    O, be swift, ye clods, to answer him! be jubilant my feet!
    Our god is marching on!

    In a sordid slime harmonious Greed was born in yonder ditch,
    With a longing in his bosom -- and for others' goods an itch.
    As Christ died to make men holy, let men die to make us rich --
    Our god is marching on.