Farewell to Arms
Emerson Lake & Palmer Lyrics


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In this our life on Earth
Another dawn we face
Is this the moment of truth
For the whole human race
Is that the last man down
Is that the last life laid to waste
Can we find in our hearts
Each and every dream we've misplaced
Before Heaven cries tears
On the mountain we climb

Farewell to arms
Rest in peace
May the rain of freedom be released
Farewell to arms
We just can't walk away
We're all sharing this Earth at the end of the day

So when the cold wind bites
And the mad dogs speak
However dark is your night
Just keep turning your cheek
'Cause when the last shot's fired
It is then the world will be free
And still we are asking
Just how long will it be
Though we're blown by the crosswinds
We stand like a tree

Farewell to arms
Rest in peace
May the rain of freedom be released
Farewell to arms
We just can't walk away
We're all sharing this earth at the end of the day

Down this road we've wandered for so many years
With every step we take
We can tear down all frontiers
Make no mistake

Farewell to arms




Rest in peace
May the rain of freedom be released

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Emerson Lake & Palmer's "Farewell To Arms" discuss momentous, existential questions about the human race, specifically around the idea of whether or not this is the moment of truth, and if so, what will happen to all of the misplaced dreams and wasted lives if we don't act now to change. The lyrics reference the concept of Heaven crying tears on the mountain, which suggests a sense of urgency around addressing these issues. The idea of a farewell to arms suggests a longing for peace and for the release of the rain of freedom, which may be interpreted as a metaphor for a kind of spiritual awakening or transcendence.


The song seems to be grappling with the idea that all human beings are sharing this earth at the end of the day, and therefore it's imperative that we work together to create a better world for ourselves and future generations. The lyrics reference the "cold wind" biting and "mad dogs" speaking, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for oppressive, violent forces that we must face.


The song ultimately ends with a call to action to tear down all frontiers and work towards a better, more peaceful world. The repetition of the phrase "Farewell to arms" at the end of each verse serves as a kind of refrain or mantra, emphasizing the need for peace and the end of violence.


Line by Line Meaning

In this our life on Earth
At this moment in time, living on Earth


Another dawn we face
A new day has begun


Is this the moment of truth
A pivotal moment of decision


For the whole human race
Concerning every individual on Earth


Is that the last man down
Has the last human perished


Is that the last life laid to waste
Has every life been lost with no meaning


Can we find in our hearts
Is it possible for us to feel deep inside


Each and every dream we've misplaced
Our forgotten aspirations


Before Heaven cries tears
Before a higher power mourns our choices


On the mountain we climb
The ascent of our journey


Farewell to arms
Goodbye to weapons and warfare


Rest in peace
May those who have passed on be at peace


May the rain of freedom be released
May the liberation of humanity come swiftly


We just can't walk away
We are responsible for our actions and choices


We're all sharing this Earth at the end of the day
Despite our differences, we are all in this together


So when the cold wind bites
During the harsh and difficult times


And the mad dogs speak
When the world is in chaos and turmoil


However dark is your night
No matter how hopeless the situation appears


Just keep turning your cheek
Choose peace instead of retaliation


Cause when the last shot's fired
The end of conflict and war


It is then the world will be free
In the aftermath, there's an opportunity for change


And still we are asking
Continuously questioning


Just how long will it be
How much longer until peace and harmony is achieved


Though we're blown by the crosswinds
Despite the challenges we face


We stand like a tree
Strong and unyielding


Down this road we've wandered for so many years
The path we've taken for an extended period


With every step we take
Every choice we make shapes our journey


We can tear down all frontiers
We have the power to remove all barriers


Make no mistake
Be certain about this fact




Contributed by Oliver A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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