The Bravery Of Being Out Of Range

Roger Waters' song "The Bravery Of Being Out Of Range" is a scathing critique of modern warfare and the detachment that technology brings to the act of killing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an old soldier, comfortable with violence and resistant to change, who finds solace in his weapons. This character is emblematic of a broader societal issue where the act of killing is sanitized and distanced, making it easier to commit without facing the immediate consequences.

The song delves into the psychological and moral implications of this detachment. Waters juxtaposes the old soldier's nostalgia for past battles with the cold, clinical nature of modern warfare. The imagery of laser-guided bombs and remote-controlled attacks highlights the impersonal nature of contemporary conflict. The repeated refrain, "the bravery of being out of range," underscores the irony of feeling courageous while being physically removed from the battlefield. This detachment is further emphasized by the casual, almost celebratory tone of the chorus, which contrasts sharply with the grim reality of war.

Waters also touches on the broader societal implications of this detachment. The references to watching wars unfold on TV and the casual ordering of drinks while discussing bombings point to a culture desensitized to violence. The song challenges listeners to question the morality of a system that allows for such detachment and to consider the real human cost of modern warfare. By highlighting the disconnect between the act of killing and its consequences, Waters calls for a deeper reflection on the ethics of war and the true meaning of bravery.