When the War is Over
Harmony Beyond Conflict: Reflections on 'When the War is Over' by Eric Clapton & J.J. Cale
Lyrics
When this war is over it will be a better day
Expressing hope for a better future when the war concludes.
When this war is over it will be a better day
Reiteration of the anticipation of a positive change after the war.
But it won't bring back those poor boys in the graves
Acknowledging that despite the end of the war, it cannot bring back those who have died.
Ain't no sense in no action, killing people all the time
Highlighting the futility of engaging in violence and killing.
Ain't no sense no no action, killing people all the time
Reinforcing the idea that taking aggressive actions leads to negative consequences, especially loss of life.
When it happens on the street we call that a crime
Labeling violent actions on the streets as crimes.
Man can't get along
Commenting on the difficulty of human coexistence.
He just won't agree
Emphasizing the inherent disagreement among people.
Who's right and who's wrong
Indicating that the question of who is right or wrong is irrelevant.
Don't matter you see
Stressing the insignificance of the right or wrong perspective in the larger context.
All we know is killing
Pointing out the prevailing destructive nature of humanity, particularly in the context of war.
Ain't the way to go
Rejecting killing as a viable solution to problems.
Gotta get a plan
Suggesting the need for a well-thought-out plan to address issues instead of resorting to violence.
And change our ways you know
Advocating for a change in behavior and actions for a better future.
When this war is over it will be a better day
Reiterating the optimism for positive change after the war concludes.
When this war is over it will be a better day
Restating the expectation of a better future post-war.
But it won't bring back those poor boys in the graves
Reminding that the end of the war cannot reverse the loss of lives that occurred.
When this war is over it will be a better day
Expressing hope for a better future, echoing the sentiment from earlier lines.
When this war is over it will be a better day
Reiterating the anticipation of positive change after the war, echoing earlier lines.
But it won't bring back those poor boys in the graves
Repeating the acknowledgment that the war's end cannot bring back those who have died.
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