Guns In The Sky

INXS's 'Guns In The Sky' is a powerful commentary on the pervasive presence of militarization and its impact on society. The song opens with vivid imagery of sound crashing in, symbolizing the overwhelming and intrusive nature of violence and conflict. The lyrics urge listeners to raise their hands and then bring them down, mimicking the motion of a clock, which could signify the relentless passage of time and the cyclical nature of violence. This imagery sets the stage for the song's central theme: the critique of a world obsessed with weaponry and conflict.

The repeated refrain, 'Guns in the sky,' serves as a stark reminder of the omnipresence of military power. The lyrics suggest that the presence of guns could force humanity to confront its future and potentially foster unity ('Make us love each other'). However, this is presented with a sense of irony, as the song also highlights the absurdity and futility of such a world. The mention of a child growing up to see guns in the sky, which 'used to be on TV,' underscores the normalization of violence and the loss of innocence in younger generations.

The song also delves into the superficiality and materialism of modern society. Lines like 'Love your hair,' 'Lend me a ten,' and 'I love your big house' juxtapose trivial concerns with the grave issue of militarization. This contrast emphasizes the disconnect between societal priorities and the pressing need to address the dangers of a heavily armed world. The closing lines, 'We could stop the world and let off all the fools and let them go live with their guns in the sky,' encapsulate the band's frustration and desire for a world free from the threat of violence, where those who perpetuate conflict are isolated from the rest of society.