“Soldier Side” by System of a Down touches on the horrors of war and its impact on young soldiers. The song paints a bleak picture of men on the battlefield, juxtaposing religious imagery with the realities of war. It’s not just about any soldier but a broader commentary on the senseless loss of life in conflict. The song sends the message that war often robs young individuals of their futures. And why did they write this? To shed light on the grim realities many tend to ignore.
Are you curious about how deep this rabbit hole goes? There’s a lot beneath the surface. Let’s unfold the layers together.
“Soldier Side” Lyrics Meaning
The song begins with a haunting vision: dead men in their graves, perhaps waiting for redemption. But there’s this uncertainty – will salvation come? The juxtaposition of a “savior” with the grim scenario paints a picture of hope amid darkness.
Lines like “They were crying when their sons left” emphasize the anguish of families torn apart by war. The recurring line, “God is wearing black,” might hint at mourning – even the divine is grieving. The heart-wrenching realization that every soldier is someone’s child adds a whole layer of emotion to the narrative.
Then there’s the line, “He’s come so far to find the truth. He’s never going home.” This gives us a peek into a soldier’s journey, searching for purpose in the chaos, only to face death’s tragic permanence.
The reference to Jesus and the bishop’s lies highlights the potential misuse of religion to justify warfare. The term “winner” seems sarcastic, emphasizing the idea that there aren’t real winners in war.
Finally, the closing lines, “Welcome to the Soldier Side,” convey the isolation and desolation of a soldier’s life. The repetition of “There is no one here but me” underscores soldiers’ profound loneliness and possibly forgotten state once the war is over.
The Story Behind “Soldier Side”
The band is renowned for addressing political, societal, and human rights issues in their music. Born from Armenian ancestry, they’ve always had this deep-rooted connection to historical struggles and conflicts, which probably fueled their passionate stand against war and injustice.
This track, in particular, seems to be driven by a need to humanize war, stripping away the political veneer to focus on the raw, emotional core. Each line feels like a plea to recognize the personal tragedies that often get lost in the broader discourse on warfare.
Looking at where the band was in their lives during the creation of this song, they were already well-established, with the world’s attention on them. This platform allowed them to be the voice for those often silenced – the young soldiers, the mourning families.
Through “Soldier Side”, System of a Down wanted listeners to reflect on the true cost of war, not in terms of money or political gain but the irreparable damage to human lives and souls. The song is a saddening reminder that behind every war statistic, there’s a personal story, an individual dream shattered, and a family changed forever.