Army Of Ancients

Dr. Dog's 'Army Of Ancients' delves into the theme of apathy and existential inertia amidst a world teetering on the brink of chaos. The song opens with vivid imagery of an 'army of ancients' rising from the ground and tearing nations apart, yet the narrator remains detached, 'counting my cards' and 'twiddling my thumbs.' This stark contrast between the cataclysmic events and the narrator's indifference sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting a sense of disconnection from the surrounding turmoil.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and allegorical references, such as the fox getting the raven to crow and the dog losing its bone at the creek. These lines evoke a sense of mystery and the inexplicable nature of certain events, further emphasizing the narrator's bewilderment and passive stance. The recurring question, 'wondering when will it start?' suggests a longing for a catalyst or a moment of clarity that never seems to arrive, leaving the narrator in a perpetual state of waiting.

The song also touches on themes of escapism and resignation. The narrator expresses a desire to avoid waking up and moving, preferring to 'skip the sermon and stick to the booze.' This line underscores a reluctance to engage with reality and a preference for numbing oneself to the world's chaos. The final verses pose a series of rhetorical questions, adding to the song's enigmatic quality and leaving listeners pondering the deeper meanings behind these seemingly random events. Ultimately, 'Army Of Ancients' captures the essence of feeling lost and disconnected in a world that is constantly changing and often incomprehensible.