Blood On The Risers

The song "Blood On The Risers" is a grim and graphic narrative that tells the story of a young paratrooper's fatal jump during a military operation. The lyrics, set to a cadence call that is both haunting and catchy, detail the events leading up to and following the soldier's tragic accident. The repeated line "Gory, gory, what a hell of way to die" underscores the horror and the senselessness of the death that occurs during war.

The song begins with the rookie trooper's apprehension and preparation for the jump, highlighting the fear and tension that soldiers face. The tragic twist comes when the trooper's static line fails to deploy his parachute properly, leading to his death. The vivid descriptions of the aftermath of the fall, with the blood and gore, serve to emphasize the brutality of war and the harsh realities faced by soldiers. The chorus, which is repeated after each verse, acts as a grim reminder of the finality of death in combat.

The song also touches on the soldier's reflections during his final moments, including thoughts of his loved ones and his life before the war. This personalizes the story and makes it more poignant, as listeners are reminded that soldiers are individuals with their own stories and dreams. The dark humor displayed by the medics, who are almost excited by the incident due to the monotony of their routine, adds a layer of complexity to the song, showcasing how people can become desensitized to violence in a war setting.