Soldados

Legião Urbana's song 'Soldados' delves deep into the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by soldiers. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of young men who once played at being soldiers, now facing the harsh realities of war. The opening lines, 'Nossas meninas estão longe daqui / Não temos com quem chorar e nem pra onde ir,' set a somber tone, highlighting the isolation and longing for loved ones left behind. This sense of abandonment and the stark contrast between childhood games and the brutal reality of combat is a recurring theme throughout the song.

The chorus, 'Quem é o inimigo? Quem é você?' repeatedly questions the nature of the enemy and the self. This repetition underscores the confusion and loss of identity that soldiers often face. The lines 'Nos defendemos tanto tanto sem saber / Por que lutar' further emphasize the senselessness of the conflict, as the soldiers themselves are unsure of the reasons behind their struggle. This existential questioning is a powerful commentary on the futility of war and the internal battles that accompany it.

The song also touches on the fear and vulnerability of the soldiers. The lines 'Tenho medo de lhe dizer o que eu quero tanto / Tenho medo e eu sei porque: Estamos esperando' reveal a deep-seated fear of expressing true emotions and desires, possibly due to the constant threat of death. The poignant imagery of a comrade falling and the subsequent feelings of helplessness and guilt are captured in 'E de repente eu vi você cair / Não sei armar o que eu senti.' The final lines, 'Somos soldados / Pedindo esmola,' starkly illustrate the dehumanizing effects of war, reducing soldiers to beggars, stripped of their dignity and purpose. 'Soldados' is a haunting reflection on the personal costs of war, identity, and the search for meaning amidst chaos.