It's a War
trampledbyturtles Lyrics
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Do what you're told
All the way in the back
I can see you attack
And focus in starlight I would dine and be done
Cause I'm out of time
It's a whirl
The bastard son's and plates
It's time for being safe
Now we'll never
Blame it on the weather
More than ever, my friend
Don't forget to pretend
Don't forget to look pretty like you don't own a thing
Are you the last man around
Just a guess
But I think I'm getting more
Wash your hands and pretend
That you keep me safe from harm
The song "It's A War" by Trampled by Turtles is a complex one, filled with cryptic, somewhat apocalyptic imagery, as well as a sense of defeat and surrender, mixed in with a kind of sardonic humor, perhaps. The lyrics "It's a war, do what you're told" seem to set the tone of the song, conveying a sense of powerlessness and victimization, as well as a sense of urgency – a war is being fought, and the singer is caught in the middle of it, unsure of what to do, but aware of the danger.
The lines "all the way in the back, I can see you attack, and focus in starlight I would dine and be done" seem to suggest a scene of battle, with the singer watching from afar, perhaps through a telescope or binoculars. The idea of dining and being done implies a sense of finality, as if the singer is resigned to the fact that they may not survive the conflict.
The second half of the song seems to shift in tone, becoming more introspective, with lines like "don't forget to pretend, don't forget to look pretty like you don't own a thing." These lines can be interpreted in a number of ways, but they seem to suggest a disconnect between appearance and reality, as well as a sense of self-preservation in the face of overwhelming odds.
Overall, "It's A War" is a song that seems to confront the violence and chaos of the world head-on, while also acknowledging the limits of individual agency and the difficulty of finding meaning or purpose in such tumultuous times.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a war
This situation is intense and requires strategic thinking and action.
Do what you're told
Follow instructions and listen to the person in charge to ensure success.
All the way in the back
Even from a distance, I can see the aggressive behavior and actions of those involved in the situation.
I can see you attack
I am aware of your violent and aggressive behavior in this situation.
And focus in starlight I would dine and be done
If I had the luxury of time, I would be able to enjoy the beautiful moments, but unfortunately, I must act quickly and decisively to survive this conflict.
Cause I'm out of time
I am pressed for time and cannot waste any moment on unnecessary actions or distractions.
It's a whirl
The situation is chaotic and constantly changing, making it difficult to keep track of everything happening.
The bastard son's and plates
The neglected and unwanted parts of society are involved in this conflict.
Call at dawn for sack
There will be an attack early in the morning and we must be prepared.
It's time for being safe
In this dangerous situation, our priority should be to ensure our own safety and protect ourselves.
Now we'll never
Things have changed and we can never go back to the way they were before.
Blame it on the weather
We can't use external factors as an excuse for our current situation.
More than ever, my friend
Now, more than ever, we need each other's support and understanding.
Don't forget to pretend
In order to survive, we must put on a facade and pretend we are something we are not.
Don't forget to look pretty like you don't own a thing
In order to blend in and avoid attention, we must appear as if we have nothing of value.
Are you the last man around
Are you the only one left standing in this conflict?
Just a guess
I am not entirely sure, but it seems like there are not many of us left.
But I think I'm getting more
I am gaining a better understanding of this situation and the people involved.
Wash your hands and pretend
Clean yourself up and put on a facade to avoid suspicion and danger.
That you keep me safe from harm
Even though you may not be able to keep me completely safe, I rely on you for protection and support.
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: DAVID PATRICK CARROLL, DAVID PAUL SIMONETT, ERIK ROBERT BERRY, RYAN DAVID YOUNG, TIMOTHY POWELL SAXHAUG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul
Officially in my top 5 favorite bands ever.
Joseph Miller
Me too. How ya doing?
dolotsofacid
Around the time you posted this comment, I think they toured with Larry and His Flask, which is a FUCKING AWESOME live show. Better than Trampled By Turtles, in fact, but I have to say equally good. Two awesome bands touring together for $10 a show, I was like HOLY SHIT. These guys are gonna cost $30 a show one day.
doctor snowman
@bukmomen I have only seen TBT live, and it was hands down the most fun show I have ever attended. Words can't describe how awesome it was. I would pay an exorbitant amount of money to see that show.
bukmomen
this song live is so awesome. so bad do i wanna see these guys, old crow medicine show, and the devil makes three. play at a show. some how fans of these bands need to make this happen. thumbs up if you wanna see this go down.
Steven Sharp
Saw 2 of the 3 at Del Fest last year....AWESOME
Benn Krasa
Cant wait to see these guys at All Good
Kieran Testa
That would be EPIC
chris swollenballs
God, how much money do you think that industrial strength fiddle cost
bigkanish3
Hell yes.