Here Comes the War

New Model Army's song 'Here Comes the War' is a powerful and evocative commentary on the perpetual state of conflict and the cyclical nature of war. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where new generations are born into a legacy of violence and struggle. The opening lines highlight the sheer number of children entering a world already burdened by historical curses and environmental degradation. The imagery of oil burning and buzz saws echoing through forests underscores the destructive impact of human activity on the planet, setting the stage for the ensuing chaos.

The song then shifts focus to a specific scene of conflict, where young men in makeshift uniforms are thrust into the horrors of war. The juxtaposition of their grim reality with the detached, almost playful attitude of 'young money men' playing paintball games in a distant warehouse complex serves as a stark contrast. This disparity highlights the disconnect between those who experience the brutal realities of war and those who remain insulated from its consequences. The repeated refrain 'here comes the war' serves as a chilling reminder of the inevitability of conflict.

As the song progresses, it delves into the erosion of reason and the descent into chaos. The call to 'put out the lights on the age of reason' and the reference to 'savage times' suggest a regression to a more primal state of existence. The mention of serial killers and the sirens screaming across the city evoke a sense of societal breakdown and lawlessness. The lyrics also touch on the cyclical nature of violence, with the line 'the riot season is here again' indicating a recurring pattern of unrest. The song's closing lines question the notion of liberty and the cost at which it is achieved, leaving the listener to ponder the true price of freedom in a world perpetually on the brink of war.