Tender Comrade
Reflections of Brotherhood: Post-War Bonds Explored
Lyrics
What will you do when the war is over, tender comrade
Asking about plans post-war, addressing a close companion with affection ("tender comrade").
When we lay down our weary guns
Imagining the moment when soldiers put down their weapons after a tiring conflict.
When we return home to our wives and families
Anticipating the return to the comfort of home, family, and spouse after war.
And look into the eyes of our sons
Reflecting on facing the gaze of their sons upon returning home.
What will you say of the bond we had, tender comrade
Questioning how the bond between comrades will be remembered.
Will you say that we were brave
Asking if the comrade will acknowledge their collective bravery.
As the shells fell all around us
Recalling the chaotic and dangerous moments with shells falling during the war.
Or that we wept and cried for our mothers
Considering whether emotions included weeping and cries for mothers during the conflict.
And cursed our fathers
Reflecting on possible resentment towards fathers and their forgetfulness of universal brotherhood.
For forgetting that all men are brothers
Expressing frustration at the disregard for the common bond of brotherhood.
Will you say that we were heroes
Pondering whether their actions will be remembered as heroic.
Or that fear of dying among strangers
Questioning if the fear of dying in unfamiliar surroundings stripped away their innocence and false pride.
Tore our innocence and false shame away
Acknowledging the transformative impact of facing mortality in combat.
And from that moment on deep in my heart I knew
Revealing a realization that life should only be sacrificed for love after the mentioned transformative moment.
That I would only give my life for love
Expressing a commitment to prioritizing love over other causes in life.
Brothers in arms in each other arms
Emphasizing the camaraderie between soldiers as a source of courage and lack of fear.
Was the only time that I was not afraid
Highlighting that the unity among comrades was the only time fear was absent.
What will you do when the war is over, tender comrade
Returning to the initial question about post-war plans and the comrade's thoughts.
When we cast off these khaki clothes
Envisioning the moment when soldiers discard their military attire and go their separate paths.
And go our separate ways
Contemplating the divergence of paths as the war concludes.
What will you say of the bond we had
Reiterating the question about how the bond between comrades will be remembered.
Tender comrade
Concluding with the address to the "tender comrade," emphasizing the significance of their shared experiences.
Comment