Lyrics
And when the war was over
Reflecting on the aftermath of war
I went dancing in the streets
Expressing a sense of relief or liberation
With the corpse of my dead brother
Symbolizing the impact of war on family and loss
To the sacrificial beat
Highlighting a grim, ceremonial rhythm associated with sacrifice
The Boy Scouts and the Legionnaires
Referencing returning soldiers from overseas
Come home from overseas
Describing the return of military personnel
Singing Glory Hallelujah!
Ironically connecting celebration with military oppression
To the swank Gestapo beat
Suggesting a disturbing harmony with oppressive forces
Hallelujah
Expressing a conflicted emotion with religious undertones
I've never been
Claiming a lack of experience in certain aspects of life
In the whole of my life
Reflecting on a lack of meaningful sacrifice
An intelligent sacrifice
Questioning the intelligence of past sacrifices
Hallelujah
Repeating the conflicted emotion with religious connotations
Give me a reason
Seeking justification or purpose
To go on believing
Expressing a need for reasons to believe in something
And I'm ready
Indicating a readiness to face consequences or make sacrifices
To pay the price
Being prepared to endure challenges
I heard of a plan
Referring to a mysterious plan in a powerful position
In the president's mansion
Connecting the plan to the president's residence
(high up in the sky)
Emphasizing the elevated nature of the plan
It called for a sacrifice
Stressing the requirement for a sacrifice in the plan
And my brother paid the price
Confirming the personal cost of the sacrifice
Sent him home in a bag,
Describing the return of a fallen soldier
Tha American flag
Depicting the military honors given to the deceased
Was draped around the box
Illustrating the presentation of the flag on the casket
The coffin lid was locked
Highlighting the closure of the coffin
The note said Thanks a lot
Revealing a note expressing a sarcastic gratitude
Some and dance with me
Inviting others to join in celebration despite the somber context
I'm home from overseas
Announcing the return of the speaker from war
I'm a corpse up to my knees
Portraying the speaker as a symbolic corpse immersed in the aftermath
Celebrate the victory
Encouraging others to celebrate a questionable victory
Do you want to dance
Asking if others want to engage in a joyful activity despite the circumstances
And hold me tight?
Expressing a desire for intimacy amid distress
I'm feeling most diseased
Acknowledging personal struggles but maintaining a simple satisfaction
But I'm easier to please
Indicating a willingness to find joy in simple pleasures
Come and dance
Reiterating the invitation to dance despite the challenging context
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