Nineteen Seventeen

The song 'Nineteen Seventeen' by The Good, the Bad and the Queen is a poignant reflection on the impact of war and the passage of time. The lyrics take the listener on a journey through a landscape that is both familiar and haunting, evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss. The imagery of 'pylons, rapeseed fields, powdered skies, and trees alone' paints a picture of a serene yet desolate countryside, reminiscent of the battlefields of World War I. The mention of 'thousands of white crosses in a cemetery' further emphasizes the theme of loss and the heavy toll of war.

The song also delves into the emotional turmoil of the narrator, who feels a sense of disconnection and longing. The line 'Are you still there or am I losing you?' suggests a struggle to hold onto memories and relationships that are slipping away. This sense of loss is compounded by the 'silent treatment from the forces above,' hinting at a feeling of abandonment or disillusionment with higher powers or institutions. The reference to 'our dependence on new gods' could be interpreted as a critique of modern society's reliance on technology or materialism, which contrasts with the simpler, more grounded past.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the futility and madness of war, questioning why those responsible are not held accountable. The phrase 'we waltzed around the world as though we were off our heads' captures the reckless abandon with which people have historically engaged in conflict. The final lines, 'I leave a little bit of England in a field in France,' poignantly convey the personal and national losses experienced during the war, as well as the enduring connection between the two countries. Overall, 'Nineteen Seventeen' is a powerful meditation on the enduring scars of war and the passage of time, blending personal and historical reflections in a deeply moving way.