Harry Patch
Radiohead Lyrics
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the others died where ever they fell
it was an ambush
they came up from all sides
give your leaders each a gun and then let them fight it out themselves
i’ve seen devils coming up from the ground
i’ve seen hell upon this earth
the next will be chemical but they will never learn
The lyrics to Radiohead's song Harry Patch are a poignant reflection on war and its devastating effects. The song is a tribute to Harry Patch, the last surviving veteran of World War I, who died in 2009 at the age of 111. The lyrics describe the brutality of war and the helplessness of the soldiers who were caught in the midst of it. The first verse speaks to the singer being the only one who survived while others died. The second verse depicts the chaos of war with an ambush and soldiers fighting each other. The third verse speaks to the singer's experience of seeing the horrors of war, including devils coming up from the ground and hell on earth. The final line, "the next will be chemical but they will never learn," suggests that despite the advancements in warfare, humanity will continue to engage in destructive conflicts without learning from past mistakes.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the futility and tragedy of war. It portrays war as a senseless and destructive force that brings nothing but death and devastation. The lyrics emphasize the importance of peace and the need for people to strive towards a world without conflict.
Line by Line Meaning
i am the only one that got through
Out of all my comrades, I am the only survivor.
the others died where ever they fell
My fellow soldiers lost their lives in battle and their bodies remain where they fell.
it was an ambush
We were attacked unexpectedly and from all directions.
they came up from all sides
The enemy approached us from every angle, leaving us with nowhere to turn.
give your leaders each a gun and then let them fight it out themselves
If leaders were forced to fight alongside their soldiers, they may not be so quick to start wars.
i've seen devils coming up from the ground
I have witnessed the horrific sight of enemy soldiers emerging from below the earth's surface as if they were demons from hell.
i've seen hell upon this earth
The atrocities of war have caused me to witness and experience unfathomable suffering and destruction.
the next will be chemical but they will never learn
Despite the devastating effects of chemical warfare, it seems that humanity will never learn from the horrors of war and will continue to perpetuate it.
Contributed by Bentley P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.