Song meaning of Army Dreamers by Kate Bush

"Army Dreamers" by Kate Bush is a poignant and thought-provoking song that delves into the tragic consequences of young individuals being sent off to war. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young soldier returning home, only to meet a heartbreaking fate. The song opens with the imagery of a soldier coming back from B.F.P.O (British Forces Post Office) with purple flowers to honor his mother, emphasizing the innocence and youth of the soldier. The line "Mourning in the aerodrome, the weather warmer, he is colder" juxtaposes the warmth of homecoming with the emotional coldness and detachment that war can bring.

The chorus of the song reflects on the lost potential of the soldier, questioning what he could have become if not for being caught up in the cycle of war. Lines like "What could he do? Should have been a rock star, but he didn't have the money for a guitar" and "What could he do? Should have been a politician, but he never had a proper education" highlight the societal expectations and limitations that can prevent individuals from fulfilling their dreams. The repetition of "What a waste, army dreamers" drives home the sense of loss and tragedy surrounding young lives cut short by war.

In the second verse, the lyrics delve deeper into the soldier's inner turmoil and the futility of war. The comparison of the soldier to a "chicken with a fox" underscores the power dynamics and helplessness in the face of conflict. The imagery of the soldier sitting in a hole with "buttons and bows" suggests a sense of emptiness and insignificance in the face of the larger machinery of war.

The song's outro brings the focus back to the soldier's return and the impact on his family, particularly his mother. The repetition of "Mammy's hero" and "No hard heroes" juxtaposes the idealized image of the soldier with the harsh reality of war. Overall, "Army Dreamers" by Kate Bush is a powerful commentary on the human cost of war and the loss of potential and innocence that it brings.