Marching In Time

“Marching In Time” by 21 Guns is a poignant exploration of the human cost of war and the enduring impact it has on those who serve. The song opens with vivid imagery of battle, with “battle cries in the wind” and “thunder rolls over broken plains,” setting a somber tone. The protagonist, a soldier, reflects on the inevitability of death, acknowledging that he is “just a man of flesh and blood” and that soon there will be “one less soldier to march in time.” This line underscores the fragility of life and the personal sacrifices made by soldiers.

The lyrics also delve into the emotional toll of war, as the soldier writes home with “hands shaking for the boys I know won’t return.” This moment captures the grief and helplessness felt by those on the front lines, as they grapple with the loss of comrades. The recurring line, “marching to a different drum,” suggests a sense of disillusionment and a departure from the collective mindset of war, hinting at the internal conflict faced by the soldier.

As the song progresses, the theme of memory and the passage of time becomes more prominent. The chorus, “We go marching in time, you see we don’t remember, as we go marching through time, now will we all be forgotten,” raises questions about the legacy of those who serve and the collective amnesia that often follows wars. The soldier’s experiences, from witnessing “smoke from fields of fire” to crossing “lines that made me blind,” highlight the lasting scars of war, both physical and emotional. The song concludes with a sense of resignation, acknowledging that “closing your eyes won’t stop the pain” and that time cannot erase the horrors of war.

“Marching In Time” is a powerful reflection on the human cost of conflict, the struggle to find meaning in the face of loss, and the enduring impact of war on memory and identity.