Battlescar
Kim Mitchell Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Been in jail for a thousand years
Found a fist in an empty field
Only quarters for meals
Feel the way I feel

Bust the busters
Screw the feeders
Make the healers
Feel the way I feel

Tried to understand the white man's fears
Make 'em bend but they wouldn't yield




Uncle Sam's time is only a greased wheel
Feel the way I feel

Overall Meaning

The song "Battle Scar" by Kim Mitchell is a powerful anthem of rebellion and defiance against the oppressive and corrupt system that can leave one feeling like they've been in jail for a thousand years. The opening lines "Been in jail for a thousand years, found a fist in an empty field, only quarters for meals, feel the way I feel" suggest a sense of hopelessness and desperation. The imagery of a fist in an empty field evokes a sense of isolation and the idea of being stuck in a barren, desolate landscape with no hope of escape.


As the song progresses, the lyrics become more confrontational, with the lines "bust the busters, screw the feeders, make the healers feel the way I feel" conveying an intense desire for revenge against those who have oppressed and mistreated the singer. The use of strong, aggressive verbs such as "bust" and "screw" reinforce this sense of anger and defiance. The final lines, "tried to understand the white man's fears, make 'em bend but they wouldn't yield, Uncle Sam's time is only a greased wheel, feel the way I feel" suggest a larger, systemic problem that even attempted understanding failed to solve. The message is clear: the singer feels betrayed and defeated by the system, and is determined to make those in power feel the same pain.


Line by Line Meaning

Been in jail for a thousand years
I have been trapped in a situation that feels like an eternity.


Found a fist in an empty field
I came across something unexpected in a place where I didn't anticipate to get anything.


Only quarters for meals
I am struggling to sustain myself with very little resources.


Feel the way I feel
I want others to empathize with my situation.


Bust the busters
I want to take down those who are oppressing me.


Screw the feeders
I don't want others to control me or give me pity through their power.


Make the healers
I want to empower those who can help me and others recover.


Feel the way I feel
I want others to truly understand my perspective.


Tried to understand the white man's fears
I attempted to comprehend the perspective of those in power, though I still struggle to do so.


Make 'em bend but they wouldn't yield
I tried to force change, but it was not successful.


Uncle Sam's time is only a greased wheel
The government operates efficiently but may overlook or not prioritize my needs.


Feel the way I feel
I want to be understood and feel validated in my emotions.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@user-xu2lp2tm8z

I never tire of listening to this. I've been absorbing music for 76 years and this is the cream of the crop. Amazing!

@june19601

I had the ultimate pleasure of having Max Webster play our grad dance in 1977.....even got to smoke a doobie with Max (Kim Mitchel). Ahhhhh the good ole' days :)

@stringbender11672

I heard this song on KSHE95 St. Louis back in mid 80s when i was a teen. I was blown away when Geddy's vocals came in and this entire song is still a gem today!!!
🤟💀👍🔥🖤❤🎸🎃😜👏

@barryvestal4330

We are not far apart...im in iowa( go blues!!!!)...i was there during this time period....Moving Pictures tours...Max(Kim)...would possibly get up with rush and do this song..ive been blessed to see rush so many times especially way early on...but totally remember this bill!!!! You kidding me...Rush and Webster...unbelievable

@jackkorte4130

K-SHE '95 FOREVER

@popswuzrite

This album got me through the Marine Corps. Headphones on the flight deck of the USS Bellaeu Wood, midnight firewatch, Straights of Hormuz...Thanks Max.

@johnackley1182

April! In Toledo! Talkin' to myself, I'm talkin' to myself!

@UH-1HueyCrewchief

Did the same thing while crewing Hueys in the Army, and then on the flight deck of the Midway. Back when the Walkman was a thing. Getting that buzz from the ships radar like every 10 seconds.

@rusruss7955

Thank for your service brother!! From a U.S Army veteran!!

@TattKingMusicProductions

Thank you for your Service God Bless You and Your Family

More Comments

More Versions