Bunker Soldiers

OMD's 'Bunker Soldiers' delves into the paradoxes and ironies of modern warfare, juxtaposing the mechanical precision of trained soldiers with the chaotic and often senseless nature of war. The song opens with a depiction of 'trained bodies in coordination,' suggesting a highly organized and disciplined military force. However, this image is quickly contrasted with the idea that this is merely 'a nicer way to spend a war,' hinting at the absurdity of finding any 'nice' way to engage in such a destructive activity. The mention of 'lava beaches and sandy seaside' evokes a surreal, almost vacation-like setting, further emphasizing the dissonance between the grim reality of war and the sanitized, controlled environment in which these soldiers operate.

The lyrics also touch on the dehumanizing aspect of war, referring to 'rusting bodies' and 'surplus' soldiers, indicating that human lives are often treated as expendable resources. The line 'We never taught them how to fight like that' suggests a disconnect between the training soldiers receive and the brutal realities they face on the battlefield. The 'object's exercise' being 'so compulsive' points to the relentless, almost mechanical nature of military operations, which, while not necessarily better, 'still suits us,' implying a resigned acceptance of this flawed system.

The song also highlights the plight of refugees, who 'gave up houses to be refugees,' and the grim conditions they endure, with 'mud in ditches' and 'sandbagged trenches.' This imagery underscores the widespread human suffering caused by war, affecting not just soldiers but civilians as well. The repeated refrain 'I'd give up rice fields to fight like you' suggests a longing for a different kind of conflict, perhaps one that is more straightforward or honorable, but ultimately acknowledges that 'it's not a better way.' The song concludes with a sense of resignation, recognizing that despite the flaws and futility of modern warfare, 'we are here to stay.'