When I listen to this song it has always given me the same feeling, and until I read the comment by Mikhailbacunin I thought that I was the only person to have picked up on this (sorry to any other posters who might have expressed the same sentiment.
Personally I agree with previous posters that the song is not about any specific war but is more generic, although I can see that it's meaning might be more immediately accessible to in terms of a civil war.
I believe this song specifically addresses the tragic irony that the source of many of humanities' greatest acts of loyalty, bravery and even love is often it's most futile endevour, namely war.
Mark sings about the feeling of comradeship of the soldiers, the fact that they would give their lives for each other, a testiment for their love for each other. Then he ironically notes that the soldiers of the opposing army are very similar and have the same emotions when they go into battle.
The song is about the overwhelming sadness that despite our shared humanity we just don't seem to be able to get along with each other despite the observation that in the greater scheme of things are similarities far outweigh our differences.
Finally I believe that there is a note of regret that we do not seem to apply this sense of loyalty, courage and love to the good of all humanity.
@simonmaya You're right. And as sme wise man once said: every war is a civil war, for all men are brothers. And I think that's exactly what this song wishes to convey.
@simonmaya You're right. And as sme wise man once said: every war is a civil war, for all men are brothers. And I think that's exactly what this song wishes to convey.
When I listen to this song it has always given me the same feeling, and until I read the comment by Mikhailbacunin I thought that I was the only person to have picked up on this (sorry to any other posters who might have expressed the same sentiment.
Personally I agree with previous posters that the song is not about any specific war but is more generic, although I can see that it's meaning might be more immediately accessible to in terms of a civil war.
I believe this song specifically addresses the tragic irony that the source of many of humanities' greatest acts of loyalty, bravery and even love is often it's most futile endevour, namely war.
Mark sings about the feeling of comradeship of the soldiers, the fact that they would give their lives for each other, a testiment for their love for each other. Then he ironically notes that the soldiers of the opposing army are very similar and have the same emotions when they go into battle.
The song is about the overwhelming sadness that despite our shared humanity we just don't seem to be able to get along with each other despite the observation that in the greater scheme of things are similarities far outweigh our differences.
Finally I believe that there is a note of regret that we do not seem to apply this sense of loyalty, courage and love to the good of all humanity.
@simonmaya I like your take on the song. I agree completely. The live version gives me chills. Mark’s guitar cries.
@simonmaya I like your take on the song. I agree completely. The live version gives me chills. Mark’s guitar cries.
@simonmaya You're right. And as sme wise man once said: every war is a civil war, for all men are brothers. And I think that's exactly what this song wishes to convey.
@simonmaya You're right. And as sme wise man once said: every war is a civil war, for all men are brothers. And I think that's exactly what this song wishes to convey.