March to the Witch's Castle
Reflections on War and Homecoming
Lyrics
February 12th, 1973
Setting the context with the date, February 12th, 1973.
The prayers of thousands were answered
Expressing that the prayers of many have been answered.
The war was over, and the first of the prisoners returned
Announcing the end of the war and the return of the first prisoners.
Needless to say, it was the happiest day in up to thirteen years for most
Describing the joyous atmosphere for most, marking the end of a thirteen-year-long war.
For others, the real nightmare had just begun
Highlighting that, for some, a new and different nightmare is beginning.
The nightmare of readjustment
Referring to the challenges of readjustment for the returning soldiers.
And for those, we will pray
Mentioning prayers for those facing the difficulties of readjustment.
Whooa-ohh-ohhh
Repetition and emphasis through vocalizations, setting a musical tone.
Whooa-ohh-ohhh
-Whoa-oh oh-oh oh-oh oh-oh-oh whooaaa
-(x 5)
-Father, bless the soldier who has returned home from the war
A prayer for the returning soldier, acknowledging the struggles, including the unknown purpose of the war and the challenges of readjustment.
He has fought with all his might
-Yet he knew not for what or who he was fighting for
-Death waited in the shadows as he crawled by night for his country
-His enemies was many, including the habit he still cannot break
-Father, we pray that we might understand what has happened to his mind
-And help us understand his reaction
-To the changes that has taken place here at home
-And father, smile upon us, with your grace, for we will need you more than ever
-Help him understand, that when his loved one remarried
Praying for understanding when loved ones remarried, thinking the soldier was dead and would never return.
They were truly under the impression that he was dead
-And never would return
-Oh lord, we pray
A plea for divine intervention and understanding.
And father, why must wars be fought?
Questioning the purpose and outcomes of wars, especially the Vietnam War, and expressing skepticism about the notion of "Peace with honor."
Someone said this war ended with "Peace with honor"
-But can there truly be?
-Is there such a thing?
-Thousands of boys gave their life, and for what?
-Do anybody know?
-Oh lord, give us the strength to understand ourselves
Seeking strength and understanding from a higher power for humanity, emphasizing the mysterious nature of humans and the challenges faced by returning soldiers.
For we are mysterious animals, man
-And as the boys march home to the witch's castle
-They will all need your help
-I can hear them calling, calling out for you, father
-For there is no one else that can help
-Smile upon us, oh lord
-For we are very weak
-Very weak
Repeatedly expressing human weakness and the need for divine assistance.
Very weak
-Very weak
-Very weak
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