Hero of War by Rise Against addresses a young soldiers experiences and reflections on warfare, emphasizing the moral dilemmas and devastating consequences of combat. It serves as a critique of warfare and the recruitment of young soldiers, suggesting a setting where idealism meets the brutal reality of the battlefield.
..."Son, have you seen the world? Well, what would you say If I said that you could? Just carry this gun, You'll even get paid.". I said "That sounds pretty good."
Black leather boots, Spit-shined, so bright. They cut off my hair, But it looks alright. We marched and we sang. We all became friends, As we learned how to fight.
A hero of war! Yeah, that's what I'll be. And when I come home, They'll be damn proud of me. I'll carry this flag; To the grave, if I must. 'Cause it's a flag that I love And it's flag that I trust.
I kicked in the door, I yelled my commands. The children, they cried, But I got my man. We took him away, A bag over his face, From his family and his friends.
They took off his clothes, They pissed in his hands. I told them to stop, But then, I joined in. We beat him with guns And batons, not just once, But again and again.
A hero of war! Yeah, that's what I'll be. And when I come home, They'll be damn proud of me. I'll carry this flag; To the grave, if I must. 'Cause it's a flag that I love And I flag that I trust.
...walked through bullets and haze. I asked her to stop; I begged her to stay. But she pressed on, So I lifted my gun And I fired away...
And the shells Jumped through the smoke. And into the sand, That the blood now had soaked, She collapsed, With a flag in her hand. A flag white as snow.
A hero of war! Is that what they see? Just medals and scars? So damn proud of me. And I brought home that flag. Now it gathers dust. But it's a flag that I love. It's the only flag I trust.
He said "Son, have you seen the world? Well, what would you say If I said that you could?" ************************