With God On Our Side
The Neville Brothers Lyrics
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For the country I come from, is called the Midwest.
I was taught and brought up, to the laws to abide.
That the land that I live in,has God on its side.
Oh the history books tell it,they tell it so well.
The Calvaries charged,and the Indians fell.
The calvaries charged,and the Indians died.
The Spanish-American, War had its day.
And the civil war to us, was soon laid away.
And the names of the heroes, I was made to memorize.
With guns in their hands, and God on their side.
The First World War,it came and it went.
And the reason for fighting,I never did get.
But I learned to accept it, accept it with pride.
For you don't count the dead, when God's on your side.
In the nineteen-sixties,came the Vietnam war.
Can someone tell me, what we were fighting for?
So many young men died, so many mothers cried.
No I ask the question, was God on our side?
I learned to hate the russians, all through my whole life.
If another war comes, it's them must fight.
And to hate them and fear, to run and to hide.
And accept it all bravely, with God on my side.
Through many dark hours, I've been thinkin' bout' this.
That Jesus Christ was betrayed by a kiss.
But I can't think for you, you'll have to decide.
Whether Judas Iscariot had God on his side.
Now that I'm leaving, I'm weary as hell.
The confusion I"m feeling, ain't no tongue cna tell.
The words fill my head, and they fall to the floor.
That if God's on our side, he'll stop the next war.
Jesus loves me, this I know.
The Neville Brothers' song, With God On Our Side, is a powerful critique of the concept of America as a divine nation, blessed with God's favour, and exempted from moral judgment. The song is framed through the perspective of a narrator who reflects on his experiences as an American, and how they have been shaped by the notion of God's providence. The singer starts by describing the emptiness of his own identity, characterised by the insignificance of his name and age, and how he has been indoctrinated to accept the laws of the land. He notes the sense of American exceptionalism that pervades national history, and how it has been used to justify conquest and oppression, such as the destruction of indigenous communities.
The singer goes on to describe his own experiences of war, and how he has been taught to accept conflict and violence as just, because of God's support. He critiques the notion of heroism, as it is associated with the use of guns and military might. He reflects on the Vietnam War, and how it caused so much needless suffering for both the American soldiers and ordinary Vietnamese people. The singer concludes by reflecting on the biblical story of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus, and how it is a reminder that the truth is never simple or easy to discern.
The song's lyrics are a poignant critique of the myth of American exceptionalism and the belief that God favours particular nations. The song is a reminder of the dangers of nationalism and how it can be used to justify wars and other forms of violence. It shows the importance of questioning received wisdom and challenging the status quo, particularly when it is based on unfounded beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my name it means nothing, and my age it means less.
My personal identity is insignificant.
For the country I come from, is called the Midwest.
I am from the middle of the United States.
I was taught and brought up, to the laws to abide.
I was raised to follow the laws.
That the land that I live in,has God on its side.
I was taught that God supports my country.
Oh the history books tell it,they tell it so well.
The history books recount events clearly and compellingly.
The Calvaries charged,and the Indians fell.
The American military defeated Native American tribes.
The calvaries charged,and the Indians died.
The American cavalry defeated and killed Native Americans.
Oh The Country was young then, with God on its side.
The United States was a young country, but believed God supported its actions.
And the civil war to us, was soon laid away.
We put the Civil War behind us quickly.
With guns in their hands, and God on their side.
The American soldiers had guns, and believed God supported them.
And the reason for fighting,I never did get.
I could not understand why we were fighting in World War I.
But I learned to accept it, accept it with pride.
I learned to accept the war with patriotism.
For you don't count the dead, when God's on your side.
When you believe that God is supporting you, you do not pay attention to how many lives are lost.
Can someone tell me, what we were fighting for?
I do not understand the purpose of the Vietnam War.
So many young men died, so many mothers cried.
The Vietnam War caused much suffering and loss.
No I ask the question, was God on our side?
I wonder if God supported our actions during the Vietnam War.
And to hate them and fear, to run and to hide.
I was taught to hate and fear Russians.
And accept it all bravely, with God on my side.
If there is another war, I will accept it courageously, with God on my country's side.
That Jesus Christ was betrayed by a kiss.
Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
But I can't think for you, you'll have to decide.
I cannot make this decision for you.
Whether Judas Iscariot had God on his side.
I wonder if Judas believed that God was supporting him.
Now that I'm leaving, I'm weary as hell.
I am exhausted as I depart.
The confusion I'm feeling, ain't no tongue can tell.
I am experiencing a level of confusion that is difficult to express.
The words fill my head, and they fall to the floor.
My thoughts are overwhelming me.
That if God's on our side, he'll stop the next war.
If God is indeed supporting us, then the next war will not occur.
Jesus loves me, this I know.
I believe that Jesus loves me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind