Shame On You

Andrea Corr's song "Shame On You" is a poignant critique of war and its devastating impact on individuals, particularly the young. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and sorrow, as the narrator reflects on the loss of innocence and the harsh realities hidden behind the facade of normalcy. The opening lines, "You left me thinking what a bore / I'm always stuck inside," suggest a feeling of entrapment and a yearning for something more meaningful, hinting at the emotional and psychological confinement experienced by those affected by war.

The recurring phrase "Shame on you" serves as a powerful indictment of those who perpetuate conflict and send young people to fight. The lines "You planted me in foreign ground / A pen within a hand" evoke the image of soldiers being sent to unfamiliar territories, often with little understanding of the true nature of their mission. The mention of "dirty faces in a war / Asleep in open graves" starkly illustrates the grim reality of combat, where the loss of life and innocence is a tragic consequence.

The song also touches on the dehumanization of soldiers, as seen in the lines "You changed his name to a number / But he's somebody's child." This highlights the way individuals are reduced to mere statistics in the context of war, stripping away their humanity and personal identity. Andrea Corr's emotive delivery and the haunting melody further amplify the song's message, making "Shame On You" a powerful anthem against the senselessness of war and a call to recognize the human cost behind the numbers.