It's Going Down Slow
War's Grim Tale: A Slow Descent of Pride and Loss
Lyrics
Go tell the sergeant-major
Instructions to inform the sergeant-major about a need for repairs.
To get that thing repaired
Referring to the repair of a specific thing, possibly a tool or equipment.
They're losing their pawns in Asia
Highlighting the loss of pawns (symbolizing people) in Asia, likely in a conflict.
There's slaughter in every square
Indicating widespread violence with "slaughter in every square."
Oh
Expressing a contemplative mood or pause.
It's going down slow
Repetition emphasizing a gradual decline or deterioration.
Oh
-It's going down slow
-Go get the fire department
Suggesting a need to bring in the fire department, possibly metaphorical for addressing a crisis.
To bring that hose along
Calling for a hose, a tool to control fire, implying the need to manage a difficult situation.
And them and the schoolboy bandits
Referring to schoolboy bandits, possibly representing youth involved in undesirable activities.
Can water each other's lawn
Symbolizing mutual harm or conflict among those who should be allies.
Oh
Repetition emphasizing the gradual and deliberate nature of the decline.
It's going down slow
-Oh
-It's going down slow
-Everybody seems to be leaving
Noting a general trend of people leaving or departing.
Better say your travelling prayers
Advising to say prayers, implying a sense of urgency or impending danger.
It don't matter how you get it
Emphasizing that the method of acquisition is less important than what follows.
It's where do you go from there
Questioning the direction or outcome after obtaining something.
Oh
Repetition emphasizing the gradual nature of the decline, with a sense of inevitability.
It's going down slow
-Oh
-Going down slow
-Oh
Continued repetition intensifying the theme of a slow decline.
Going down slow
-Hmm
-Going down slow
-God, damn the hands of glory
Expressing frustration or condemnation toward the hands associated with glory or power.
That hold the bloody firebrand high
Referring to a fiery symbol held high, possibly signifying destructive power or war.
Close the book and end the story
Encouraging closure and ending a narrative about the death toll in conflicts.
Of how so many men have died
Reflecting on the impact of numerous deaths and the need for remembrance.
Let the world retain in memory
Stressing the tendency of powerful voices to spread falsehoods.
That mighty tongues tell mighty lies
Addressing the human inclination to create enemies, possibly linked to pride.
And if mankind must have an enemy
Advocating for the acknowledgment of pride as a significant enemy.
Let it be his warlike pride
Concluding with a plea to recognize and combat the destructive force of warlike pride.
Let it be his warlike pride
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