When This War Is Over
CALE J.J. & CLAPTON Eric Lyrics


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When this war is over
It will be a better day
When this war is over
It will be a better day
But it won't bring back
Those poor boys in their graves

Ain't no sense in no action
Killin' people all the time
Ain't no sense in no action
Killin' people all the time
When it happens on the street
We call that a crime

Man, he can get along
He just won't agree
Who's right and who's wrong
The matter you see

All of those killings
That ain't the way to go
Gotta get a plan
And change our ways you know

When this war is over
It will be a better day
When this war is over
It will be a better day
But it won't bring back
Those poor boys in their graves

When this war is over
It will be a better day
When this war is over
It will be a better day




But it won't bring back
Those poor boys in their graves

Overall Meaning

The song "When This War Is Over" by J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton is a protest song against war, violence and needless killing. The lyrics reflect the unfortunate reality of war where young boys become soldiers and often become martyrs. The line "When this war is over, it will be a better day" is a message of hope, that after the war is over, things will get better for everyone. However, the next line "But it won't bring back those poor boys in their graves" reminds us that the cost of war is too high and leaves behind a legacy of death and destruction.


The song suggests that it is senseless to take any action that kills people. The lyrics say, "Ain't no sense in no action, Killin' people all the time, When it happens on the street, We call that a crime". This implies that just because it is done in the name of the country, it does not make it any less of a crime or any less tragic. The songwriters suggest that people should work towards getting along with each other and find a way to change their ways to avoid the bloodshed of wars.


In summary, "When This War Is Over" is a poignant message that speaks against the futility of war, condemns senseless killing, and advocates for people to live in peace and unity. It is a timeless reminder that we must value human life beyond borders and work towards coming together as a human race.


Line by Line Meaning

When this war is over
After the war is finally done, there will be a brighter future for all.


It will be a better day
Life will be better without the chaos of war.


When this war is over
After the war is finally done, there will be hope for a better future.


It will be a better day
Life will be better for everyone, especially those who have experienced the devastation of war firsthand.


But it won't bring back
Sadly, nothing can bring back the lives of those who have died in the war.


Those poor boys in their graves
The young men who have died in combat are unable to come back and are remembered as they rest in peace.


Ain't no sense in no action
There is no logic or justification for fighting and killing people.


Killin' people all the time
The act of killing others as a means of resolving conflict is wrong and harmful.


When it happens on the street
If someone commits murder on a city street, it is considered a criminal act.


We call that a crime
It is illegal and immoral to take the life of another person, even in times of war.


Man, he can get along
Human beings are capable of getting along and working together in peace.


He just won't agree
However, people often disagree on how to navigate conflict and disputes.


Who's right and who's wrong
The challenge in conflict resolution is determining who is right and who is wrong, which can be clouded by bias or differing perspectives.


The matter you see
This problem can be commonly observed in conflicts and often defines the conditions of the dispute.


All of those killings
All the deaths caused by the war are senseless deaths.


That ain't the way to go
Killing one another isn't a long-lasting solution to any problem or conflict.


Gotta get a plan
We need to come up with an effective strategy or plan to end the war and prevent future conflicts.


And change our ways you know
We must be willing to alter our behavior and find new, more harmonious approaches to dispute resolution.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: J.J. CALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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