I Don't Wanna Be a Soldier Mama I Don't Wanna Die
John Lennon Lyrics


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Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a sailor mama, I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a failure mama, I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wannabe a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no

Well, I don't wanna be a rich man mama, I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a poor man mama, I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a lawyer mama, I don't wanna lie
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, hey

Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a thief now mama, I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wannabe a churchman mama, I don't wanna cry
Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, hey

Oh well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Well, I don't wanna be a sailor mama, I don't wanna fly
Well, I don't wanna be a failure mama, I don't wanna cry




I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no

Overall Meaning

"I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier Mama I Don't Wanna Die" is a powerful anti-war protest song by John Lennon that expresses his reluctance to fight in a war and his refusal to be a part of a system that promotes violence and oppression. The lyrics of the song are an expression of John Lennon's frustration with the Vietnam War and his disdain for the idea of being forced to fight for a cause that he didn't believe in. The song reflects the disillusionment that many people felt during that time period, as more and more young men were being drafted into a war that many of them did not support.


The song is particularly notable for its repetition of the phrase "I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die", which serves as a powerful refrain throughout the song. The repetition of this phrase underscores the fear and desperation that many young men felt during that time period, as they were faced with the prospect of being sent off to fight in a war that they did not believe in. The song is also notable for its use of simple, repetitive lyrics and a strong, driving rhythm, which serve to underscore the song's message of protest and defiance.


Overall, "I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier Mama I Don't Wanna Die" is a potent work of protest music that captures the mood of a generation disillusioned with war and oppression. John Lennon's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War and his outspoken opposition to U.S. foreign policy during that time period helped to make him an icon of the anti-war movement, and this song remains an enduring statement of his anti-war beliefs.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
The author expresses his aversion to being in the armed forces and potentially facing death


Well, I don't wanna be a sailor mama, I don't wanna fly
The author also rejects the idea of joining the navy and potentially facing death in combat


Well, I don't wanna be a failure mama, I don't wanna cry
The author does not want to fail in life and suffer the emotional consequences that come with it


Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
The author emphasizes his rejection of these ideas with repetition


Well, I don't wanna be a rich man mama, I don't wanna cry
The author rejects the idea of being wealthy if it means experiencing emotional pain or turmoil


Well, I don't wanna be a poor man mama, I don't wanna fly
The author also rejects the opposite end of the financial spectrum, not wanting to struggle financially


Well, I don't wanna be a lawyer mama, I don't wanna lie
The author rejects the career path of a lawyer if it means compromising his morals and integrity by being dishonest


Well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
The author repeats his rejection of joining the military


Well, I don't wanna be a thief now mama, I don't wanna fly
The author also rejects the idea of being a criminal and the possibility of fleeing from authority


Well, I don't wannabe a churchman mama, I don't wanna cry
The author also rejects the idea of being a religious figure if it means experiencing emotional distress


Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, hey
Once again, the author emphasizes his rejection of these life paths with repetition


Oh well, I don't wanna be a soldier mama, I don't wanna die
The author's strong feelings against a military career are restated


I don't wanna be a sailor mama, I don't wanna fly
The author also does not want to join the navy and risk his life in combat


Well, I don't wanna be a failure mama, I don't wanna cry
The author concludes by repeating his desire to avoid failure and emotional pain


Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no
Once again, the author emphasizes his rejection of these life paths with repetition




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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