Paper Cities
Other Lives Lyrics

We sent them all across the ocean
We deployed soldiers to fight in a war far away by sending them across the ocean.

Many lives were taken
Numerous people died and lost their lives in this war that we sent soldiers to fight in.

Well I didn't cry, I didn't know them
The singer did not cry when he heard about the deaths in the war as he did not have a personal connection with those who died.

And I just looked on with no expression
The artist did not feel any emotions while observing the impact of the war on those who were affected by it.

This land was once a home
The place where they lived was once where they felt comfortable and safe.

Of friends and family
The people who lived there were closely related to the singer and represented a meaningful part of his life.

We used to know
The people who were once a part of their lives are no longer present, making him think about the past and how it has changed.

They are all gone now
All of those people who mattered so deeply are no longer around anymore.

They are now gone
Those people who used to be present in their life are now not around anymore.

And for what I cannot tell
The artist is unclear about the reason behind the loss and destruction that took place, and he is unable to form an opinion on whether it is justified or not.

Put down your banners and flowers
The singer is advising others against showing any nationalist or patriotic signs, which could lead to further conflicts.

This war you've made won't last
The war that has been fought is not sustainable, and peace will prevail eventually.

Your country, just lines on a map
The singer suggests that the concept of a country is merely a political concept, with no real meaning or impact on people's lives.

They're drawn up, they don't last
Countries exist due to political arrangements, but they are not permanent fixtures, and they are prone to change over time.

The paper cities burning
The symbolic world created by countries and lines on maps is burning in crisis.

The ashes fell like rain
The aftermath of these conflicts leaves an impact that is similar to that of ash falling from the sky.

But when the fire was over
Once the conflicts and fighting have ended, things would have changed forever, and things will not be the same again.

Everything had changed
As a direct consequence of the war, everything, from the people's lives to their surroundings, has been impacted by the war.

The people come together
In times of tragedies such as war, people tend to unite and feel a sense of commonality, even if they differ in other ways.

Reminds us we're the same
The struggles and conflicts faced by people tend to highlight their common humanity and the need for solidarity, irrespective of nationality or political affiliations.