Lost Patrol
Big Country Lyrics

The lyrics to Big Country's song Lost Patrol speak to the idea that there are some situations in life that are simply unavoidable. The first two lines of the verse indicate a feeling of desperation and fear, as if the character is being pursued or hunted by an unknown entity. The mention of a compass falling on one side suggests a lack of balance or hopelessness, as if the character is stuck in a lose-lose situation. However, the third line suggests that others have experienced this same fear and desperation before, yet the cries of those who have gone before have not been forgotten. This line may also suggest a sense of solidarity or community with those who have suffered before, as if the character is not alone in his or her struggle.

The chorus of the song suggests that there is no easy answer or solution to the character's struggle. The lines "We save no souls" and "We break no promises" suggest a sort of moral neutrality or powerlessness. The character seems resigned to his or her fate and unable to influence the outcome of his or her situation. The third line of the chorus, "We can do nothing more than move on headlong through the gloom," speaks to a sense of determination and bravery in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The thorn between the character's lips may symbolize a source of pain or discomfort, as if the character is constantly aware of the danger and fear that surrounds him or her. The final lines of the verse speak to the idea that, even in the face of death and decay, there is still a sense of solidarity and connection with others. Though the fruit may be torn away, the "vines" (suggesting the interconnectedness of all life) remain.