I don't think it's all that complicated.

Have you ever tried giving someone driving directions using N/E/S/W instead of saying "turn right, then left, then another left, then 5 rights..."? Not a lot of people know what direction they are going.

I like to think the inspiration for this song was born in an argument over badly explained driving directions.

Personally, I ALWAYS use N/E/S/W when giving directions, but my wife usually scratches her head and says "you men I go straight, then right?" It's annoying. Love this song!