Forging Generals
Staple Lyrics


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These are the ties that bind.
Contracts signed with pulsing blood remind us of color when everything turns to grey.
Absolutes are life.
Deterioration's the killer.
Oath reforms for fallen, lords whose kingdoms die.
Are we fallen lords who've laid their weapons down,
trading resolve for rash cowardice?
We're at war, but the generals' names were forged.
The pen is mighty when the sword is sheathed.
When battle's waged, we'll see what choice we've made by the deeds ink tells;
of valiant feats, it should spell.
For we vow to stand until the end or die.

And the scars we've acquired aren't shadowed in remorse...
these scars are our testament.
That we didn't quench spirit's flame
but we assailed hell with swift feet and iron fists proclaiming.
"WE FIGHT! 'TIL VOWS FULFILLED WE SHALL NOT REST!
ASSAIL FOR HONOR TO THE DEATH!"

We're at war, but the generals' names were forged.
The pen is mighty when the sword is sheathed.
When battle's waged, we'll see what choice we've made by the deeds ink tells;
of valiant feats, it should spell.
For we vow to stand until the end or die.

Show me courage.
Show me strength.
Show the resolve it takes when buckled knees carry the world because the will doesn't break.
When sweat is blood, as wrung from a sponge
and vinegared wounds cover your progress like rank, cheap, expired perfume.
The Almighty's head held resolutely 'til dead
for greatness wrought, the wise should be taught.
Forging generals.

We're at war, but the generals' names were forged.
The pen is mighty when the sword is sheathed.
When battle's waged, we'll see what choice we've made by the deeds ink tells;
of valiant feats, it should spell.
We will sign our names to stake our claims.
We know the choice that we have made




ASSAIL FOR HONOR TO THE DEATH.
'TIL VOWS FULFILLED WE SHALL NOT REST

Overall Meaning

The song "Forging Generals" by Staple is about the ties that bind people together, particularly in times of war. The opening lines, "These are the ties that bind. Contracts signed with pulsing blood remind us of color when everything turns to grey," suggest that the bonds between people go beyond mere agreements or contracts. These ties are strengthened by shared experiences of struggle and sacrifice, best expressed by the phrase "pulsing blood." In the midst of war, absolutes become more important, and the failure to uphold an oath can mean the difference between victory and defeat. However, as the song asks, "Are we fallen lords who've laid their weapons down, trading resolve for rash cowardice?" Here, the song suggests that it is important to stand up for oneself and one's beliefs, even if it means going against the current.


As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the generals' names were forged, symbolizing the power of the written word even in times of war when the sword is sheathed. The song suggests that the choice we make as individuals will be reflected in the deeds that ink tells, and that we must vow to stand until the end or die. The scars we acquire are not signs of weakness, but rather our testament to the fact that we did not give up in the face of adversity. The song ends with an exhortation to show courage, strength, and resolve, to sign our names to stake our claims, and to assail for honor to the death.


Overall, the song "Forging Generals" is about the importance of standing up for oneself and one's beliefs in the face of adversity. It extols the virtues of courage and strength, and suggests that it is necessary to fight for what we believe in, even if it means going against the current.


Line by Line Meaning

These are the ties that bind.
Our commitments unite us despite the challenges we face.


Contracts signed with pulsing blood remind us of color when everything turns to grey.
Our commitments are symbolized by the blood we shed, which inspires us to remain passionate even in bleak times.


Absolutes are life.
The unwavering principles we hold help us live with purpose and meaning.


Deterioration's the killer.
Decline and decay are the enemies of progress, and can destroy everything we've worked for.


Oath reforms for fallen, lords whose kingdoms die.
By renewing our vows, we can regain our strength and honor even if our endeavors have failed.


Are we fallen lords who've laid their weapons down, trading resolve for rash cowardice?
Have we given up our principles and succumbed to fear, or are we still committed to our cause?


We're at war, but the generals' names were forged.
Even though we may not have official titles or positions, we are all leaders in our own way, shaping our future with our actions.


The pen is mighty when the sword is sheathed.
Words can have as much impact as physical force, especially when used with intention and wisdom.


When battle's waged, we'll see what choice we've made by the deeds ink tells; of valiant feats, it should spell.
Our actions during conflicts reveal our true character and commitment, and can inspire others to greatness.


For we vow to stand until the end or die.
We are committed to our cause until the very end, even if it means we must sacrifice ourselves.


And the scars we've acquired aren't shadowed in remorse...these scars are our testament.
Our wounds are not symbols of defeat, but proof of our resilience and determination.


That we didn't quench spirit's flame but we assailed hell with swift feet and iron fists proclaiming.
We haven't given up on our goals, but we're fighting with renewed energy and conviction.


"WE FIGHT! 'TIL VOWS FULFILLED WE SHALL NOT REST! ASSAIL FOR HONOR TO THE DEATH!"
We will fight until our commitments are fulfilled, and will only strive for goals that are honorable and just.


Show me courage.
We need to act with bravery and determination.


Show me strength.
We need to demonstrate resilience and perseverance.


Show the resolve it takes when buckled knees carry the world because the will doesn't break.
We must push through difficult times and stay strong even when facing overwhelming challenges.


When sweat is blood, as wrung from a sponge and vinegared wounds cover your progress like rank, cheap, expired perfume.
We must endure the physical and emotional pain of our struggles and keep moving forward despite setbacks.


The Almighty's head held resolutely 'til dead for greatness wrought, the wise should be taught.
We should learn from the examples of great leaders who sacrificially pursued their goals with determination and resilience.


Forging generals.
Through our struggles we are becoming better, more capable leaders and warriors.


We will sign our names to stake our claims.
We will commit ourselves to our goals and beliefs by signing and sealing our vows.


We know the choice that we have made ASSAIL FOR HONOR TO THE DEATH.
We are confident in our commitment to pursuing honorable goals with every fiber of our being, even if it means sacrificing our lives.


'TIL VOWS FULFILLED WE SHALL NOT REST
We will not be deterred or discouraged until we have fulfilled our promises and accomplished our goals.




Contributed by Addison Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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