Soldier Of Fortune

Deep Purple's 'Soldier Of Fortune' is a poignant ballad that delves into the life and emotions of a wanderer, a person who is constantly on the move, searching for something elusive. The lyrics, sung with a sense of introspection and melancholy, tell the story of someone who has lived as a 'drifter,' always waiting for the day when they could settle down with a loved one. However, there's a realization that this day may never come, and the protagonist accepts their fate as a perpetual 'soldier of fortune.'

The metaphor of a 'soldier of fortune' typically refers to a mercenary, someone who fights not for a cause but for personal gain. In the context of the song, it symbolizes a person who is not tied to any particular place or person, moving from one experience to another. The recurring image of the windmill going round suggests a sense of cyclicality and the inexorable passage of time, reinforcing the theme of life's transience and the drifter's continuous journey.

The song's reflective nature invites listeners to ponder the costs of a nomadic lifestyle, the yearning for companionship, and the acceptance of one's path in life. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull between the desire for adventure and the longing for a place to call home. Deep Purple, known for their hard rock and heavy metal influences, showcases their versatility with this softer, more contemplative track, which has become a classic in its own right.