The Lebanon

The Human League's song 'The Lebanon' is a poignant reflection on the Lebanese Civil War, which ravaged the country from 1975 to 1990. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the devastating impact of war on ordinary people, capturing the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of conflict. The song opens with a nostalgic dream of a peaceful past, symbolized by the year 1969, before the violence erupted. This dream is shattered by the present horrors of war, as rockets fly and fear grips the protagonist, who clings to memories of a simpler, safer time.

The narrative then shifts to a soldier's perspective, highlighting the disillusionment and confusion faced by those who thought they were entering a peacekeeping mission but found themselves in the midst of a brutal war. The imagery of shops turned into sniper hideouts underscores the transformation of everyday life into a battlefield. The soldier's realization that he is not keeping peace but participating in war reflects the broader theme of lost ideals and the futility of conflict.

The recurring question, 'And who will have won when the soldiers have gone?' serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the senselessness of war and the lasting scars it leaves on a nation and its people. The repetition of 'The Lebanon' in the chorus reinforces the focus on the specific context of the Lebanese Civil War, while also resonating as a universal lament for all war-torn regions. The song's dreamlike quality, underscored by the repeated line 'I must be dreaming, it can't be true,' captures the surreal and nightmarish experience of living through such turmoil.