Soldier Side

System Of A Down's song 'Soldier Side' delves deep into the harrowing experiences of soldiers and the grim realities of war. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of young men sent off to battle, only to face death and disillusionment. The opening lines, 'Dead man lying on the bottom of the grave / Wondering when savior comes is he gonna be saved,' set a somber tone, questioning the fate of those who perish in war and whether they will find salvation. This existential pondering is a recurring theme throughout the song, reflecting the inner turmoil and fear faced by soldiers.

The chorus, 'They were crying when their sons left / God is wearing black,' highlights the sorrow and mourning of families who send their loved ones to war, only to lose them forever. The imagery of God wearing black suggests a world in mourning, where hope is lost, and the return of these young men is uncertain. The repetition of 'He's never coming back' underscores the finality and tragedy of their fate, emphasizing the irreversible impact of war on both the soldiers and their families.

The song also critiques the institutions that perpetuate war, with lines like 'Cruelty to the winner, bishop tells the king his lies.' This suggests a condemnation of the deceit and manipulation by those in power, who send young men to fight and die for questionable causes. The refrain 'Welcome to the soldier side / Where there's no one but me' serves as a chilling reminder of the isolation and desolation faced by soldiers, who often feel abandoned and alone in their struggles. 'Soldier Side' is a powerful anti-war anthem that calls attention to the human cost of conflict and the emotional scars it leaves behind.