"Love Vigilantes" is a song written and recorded by the English band New Or… Read Full Bio ↴"Love Vigilantes" is a song written and recorded by the English band New Order. It first appeared as the opening track of their 1985 album "Low-Life".

As well as the cover by Oysterband, cover versions have been recorded by numerous artists including Iron & Wine (in 2009), Poi Dog Pondering, Superchunk, and many more.

Love Vigilantes
Oysterband Lyrics

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Oh I've just come
From the land of the sun
From a war that must be won
In the name of truth
With our soldiers so brave
your freedom we will save
With our rifles and grenades
And some help from God

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I've got to go home
I've been so alone, you see

You just can't believe
The joy I did receive
When I finally got my leave
And I was going home
Oh I flew through the sky
my convictions could not lie
For my country I would die
And I will see it soon
I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I've got to go home
I've been so alone, you see

When I walked through the door
My wife she lay upon the floor
And with tears her eyes were sore
I did not know why
Then I looked into her hand
And I saw the telegram
That said that I was a brave, brave man
But that I was dead
I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me

I've got to go home
I've been so alone, you see

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Oysterband's "Love Vigilantes" tell a tragic and heartbreaking story of a soldier who returns home from war, eager to reunite with his family. The first verse recalls the soldier's time fighting in a far-off land, in the name of truth and with the conviction that his efforts will save his countrymen's freedom. He expresses a desire to return to his wife and child, who have been waiting for him to come back to them. The second verse describes the soldier's joy upon hearing that he would finally be able to go home. The third verse takes a sudden and tragic turn, as the soldier discovers that his wife received a telegram announcing that he died in combat.

The song's narrative is poignant in its simplicity, and its lyrics are enriched by a sense of irony: the soldier's confidence and bravery are rendered meaningless by his untimely and unjust death. The dichotomy between his idealistic patriotism and the cruel fate that awaits him at home highlights the senselessness of war and its devastating effects on both soldiers and civilians.

"Love Vigilantes" has been covered by several other artists, including Iron & Wine and Laura Cantrell. Its popularity has been attributed to its pared-down instrumentation, haunting melody, and timeless storytelling.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh I've just come
I have just returned from a faraway place

From the land of the sun
From a place close to the equator

From a war that must be won
From a battle that was crucial for victory

In the name of truth
For the sake of honesty and accuracy

With our soldiers so brave
Alongside our fearless comrades

your freedom we will save
We will protect your liberty

With our rifles and grenades
Using our guns and explosives

And some help from God
And relying on divine intervention

I want to see my family
I desire to reunite with my loved ones

My wife and child waiting for me
My spouse and offspring eagerly anticipating my return

I've got to go home
I must travel back to my residence