Verdun 1916

Neurosis Inc.'s song "Verdun 1916" is a poignant and haunting reflection on the Battle of Verdun, one of the longest and most devastating battles of World War I. The lyrics paint a grim picture of the aftermath, where the birds no longer sing, and the nights are filled with the echoes of past explosions and the laments of lost souls. The imagery of thousands of graves serves as a stark reminder of the senseless loss of life, a memory that the singer struggles to comprehend. The warning not to walk through Verdun because death still lurks there underscores the lingering presence of war's devastation.

The song delves into the staggering human cost of the battle, with nearly a million casualties in a single confrontation. Despite the passage of eighty years, the memory of Verdun has faded from public consciousness, though the elderly who lived through it still weep for the horrors they witnessed. The lyrics criticize the futility and brutality of war, describing it as a game played by governments at the expense of young lives. The young soldiers, who once dreamed of peace, are now restless spirits, their lives cut short by the very conflict they hoped to avoid.

Neurosis Inc. also uses the song to make a broader statement about the nature of war and its roots in ignorance. The mention of a looming third world war serves as a chilling reminder that humanity has not learned from its past mistakes. The song's raw and unembellished recounting of history serves as a powerful call to remember and learn from the past to prevent future atrocities. The repeated refrain about the graves and the lurking death in Verdun reinforces the idea that the consequences of war are long-lasting and far-reaching, affecting generations long after the battles have ended.