First, this is a fantastic song because it can mean so many different things to so many different people. That said, let me give what it means to me.
The first part of the song is a reference to soldiers going off to war and how there thoughts are always on home. The line "if they should fall by someone's wicked way" is about falling in battle.
The second part is about how so many soldiers continue to fight the war after they come home. "no, I'm not all me" is about how a soldier is forever changed into a different person by war, while "things return to me that still seem real" is a clear reference to PTSD, along with "but now the dreams and waking screams that ever last the night".
I think the song refers to how a soldier going off to war is "the hero of the day" and then how different it is when they come home. Even things like "don't want your aid", clearly about how a lot of soldiers try to deal with PTSD themselves instead of seeking help.
Just my 2 cents worth.
@tigsdad This is the only interpretation of the song,...its spot on! It's pretty straight foward, especially being a soldier with PTSD. I have no idea why these other people are making up metaphors for something else.
@tigsdad This is the only interpretation of the song,...its spot on! It's pretty straight foward, especially being a soldier with PTSD. I have no idea why these other people are making up metaphors for something else.
First, this is a fantastic song because it can mean so many different things to so many different people. That said, let me give what it means to me.
The first part of the song is a reference to soldiers going off to war and how there thoughts are always on home. The line "if they should fall by someone's wicked way" is about falling in battle.
The second part is about how so many soldiers continue to fight the war after they come home. "no, I'm not all me" is about how a soldier is forever changed into a different person by war, while "things return to me that still seem real" is a clear reference to PTSD, along with "but now the dreams and waking screams that ever last the night".
I think the song refers to how a soldier going off to war is "the hero of the day" and then how different it is when they come home. Even things like "don't want your aid", clearly about how a lot of soldiers try to deal with PTSD themselves instead of seeking help. Just my 2 cents worth.
@tigsdad This is the only interpretation of the song,...its spot on! It's pretty straight foward, especially being a soldier with PTSD. I have no idea why these other people are making up metaphors for something else.
@tigsdad This is the only interpretation of the song,...its spot on! It's pretty straight foward, especially being a soldier with PTSD. I have no idea why these other people are making up metaphors for something else.