Whitewash County by Elton John delves into the themes of hidden corruption and hypocrisy in small-town life. The song paints a vivid picture of a seemingly idyllic county where secrets and lies are brushed under the rug to maintain an appearance of perfection. The key themes revolve around deceit, the facade of respectability, and the underbelly of corrupt practices in a small community. Particularly poignant moments in the song include the imagery of 'whitewashing,' which symbolizes covering up wrongdoings, and the narrative tone that reveals the morally compromised reality behind the picturesque surface.