Afraid To Shoot Strangers

Iron Maiden's 'Afraid To Shoot Strangers' delves into the psyche of a soldier grappling with the morality of war. The lyrics convey the internal conflict experienced by those sent to fight, highlighting the fear, doubt, and philosophical questioning that can accompany the act of killing. The song's protagonist lies awake, sweating not from fear of death but from the moral implications of taking another life. The desert setting, possibly alluding to the Gulf War which was contemporaneous with the song's release, becomes a symbol for the desolation and finality of war.

The chorus, 'When it comes to the time / Are we partners in crime?', suggests a shared responsibility among soldiers for the acts they are ordered to commit. The invocation of religious language ('Thy kingdom come / Thy shall be done on earth') reflects the struggle to reconcile religious beliefs with the act of killing. The song questions the justifications for war ('Trying to justify to ourselves the reasons to go'), and the phrase 'Afraid to shoot strangers' encapsulates the core of the soldier's dilemma: the fear of killing those who are unknown and possibly innocent, and the broader implications of such actions on one's conscience and humanity.

Iron Maiden, known for their complex compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, often tackles historical and philosophical themes. 'Afraid To Shoot Strangers' is a poignant example of their work, offering a window into the troubled minds of those on the front lines. It's a powerful commentary on the cost of war, not just in lives but in the spiritual and moral toll it takes on individuals and societies.