The Hot Wind Blowing

The song 'The Hot Wind Blowing' by Jamie Christopherson, featured in the video game 'Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance', is a powerful track that delves into themes of war, freedom, and the human condition within the context of conflict. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a desolate battlefield, using imagery such as 'jagged lines across the sand' and 'crumbling buildings' to evoke the destruction and chaos of war. The reference to the buffalo blindly following the herd suggests a critique of how individuals can sometimes follow orders or a cause without questioning, akin to soldiers in battle.

The chorus, 'I don't know what I’ve been told / But the wishes of the people can’t be controlled,' reflects a sense of rebellion and the idea that the human spirit cannot be easily suppressed, even in the face of authoritarianism or war. This is further emphasized by the imagery of the eagle rising from the ashes and the call to freedom, symbolizing resilience and the fight for autonomy. The soldier's experience is portrayed as one of anonymity and disposability, highlighted by the lines 'Here I am / Dirty and faceless / Waiting to heed your instruction.' This suggests a critique of how soldiers are often treated as mere tools of war, rather than individuals with their own wills and desires.

The song concludes with a reflection on the nature of justice and duty in war, and the anonymity that soldiers face even after fulfilling their roles. The 'wind of destruction' metaphorically represents both the literal impact of war and the figurative impact of the soldiers' actions, as they leave behind a legacy of change and devastation, often without recognition or remembrance. The song's powerful message is amplified by its driving rock instrumentation, characteristic of the game's intense action and themes of conflict and identity.