Thousand Yard Stare

Big Country Big Country

The Haunting Gaze of War: A Brother's Lament

Big Country's song "Thousand Yard Stare" delves deep into the emotional and psychological scars left by war. The lyrics are a poignant narrative from the perspective of a soldier who is haunted by the memory of his fallen comrade, whom he refers to as his brother. This term of endearment underscores the deep bond and camaraderie that soldiers often develop in the face of shared adversity. The phrase "Thousand Yard Stare" is a well-known term used to describe the distant, unfocused gaze of soldiers who have been traumatized by the horrors of battle, symbolizing the profound impact of war on the human psyche.

The song's narrative reveals a sense of guilt and regret. The protagonist laments that he should have been closer to his brother and expresses a deep sense of responsibility for his death. The lines "I Should Have Called You Brother / I Should Have Been Real Close" and "I Didn't Mean You no Harm" reflect a heart-wrenching remorse. The imagery of the brother being asleep when the enemy came through the wire and the protagonist's inability to reach the alarm adds to the tragic sense of helplessness and loss.

The recurring line, "I Guess It's Always With Me / I Guess It Will Always Be There," emphasizes the enduring nature of trauma. The protagonist is forever haunted by the memory of his brother's thousand-yard stare, a constant reminder of the cost of war. The song also touches on the theme of survivor's guilt, as the protagonist remains in the war zone, unable to move on, while his brother has been flown back home. This powerful narrative captures the essence of the emotional and psychological toll of war, making it a deeply moving and reflective piece.

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  1. In a Big Country
  2. Look Away
  3. Thousand Yard Stare
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