Lyrics
He was barely a man that morning when he got on that plane
Departure of a young man on a plane, possibly for military service
In his pocket some music and pictures of home
Carrying music and pictures symbolizing his connection to home
A few days later he's lying in the jungle, beneath the pouring rain
In the jungle, experiencing the harsh reality of war amid rain
Listening to songs of freedom, feeling scared and alone
Listening to songs of freedom but feeling scared and alone
Can anybody tell me why I'm here, where's the rhyme where's the reason
Questioning the purpose of being in war, seeking meaning
It's all so crazy, it's madness over here, just who are we fighting for
Expressing the chaos and madness of war, questioning its justification
The guys back home, they're feelin' no pain, yeah, they're living and lovin'
Contrasting the carefree life of those at home with the struggles in war
While we are flyin', dancin' and dyin' in this rock 'n roll war.
Highlighting the dichotomy of living and loving at home versus the war experience
Everything looked the same that morning, when he came home again
Return home, where everything seems unchanged
In his baggage some medals and memories of war
Bringing back medals and war memories in baggage
But he was different, changed forever and out of touch with time
Transformation and disconnection from normal life due to war experiences
Walking the streets of home, he felt lost and alone
Feeling lost and alone while walking the streets of home
Can anybody tell me where I am, I feel like a stranger
Expressing a sense of displacement and alienation
Some call me hero, some have called me names, some don't call anymore
Varied public reactions to the returning soldier – hero, criticism, or silence
I made it home, but I'm still in pain, I'm not livin' or lovin'
Despite being home, the emotional pain persists
For I'm still flyin', fightin' and dyin' in that Rock n' Roll war
Continuing the struggle, using the metaphor of a rock 'n roll war
Tell everybody I feelin' better, it's been slow but I'm healing
Sharing a slow healing process, conveying a positive update
Through mother earth and father time, I don't hurt like before
Referencing the healing power of time and nature
I love a good woman, we have a son, he's our joy, our salvation
Finding solace in family, emphasizing the importance of love
May he never fly in, fight in or die in some rock 'n roll war
Expressing a hope that the next generation doesn't experience war
Tell everybody I'm doin' all right, yes, I'm livin' and lovin'
Assuring well-being, claiming to live and love again
For I'm done flyin', livin' and dyin' in that rock n' roll war.
Ending the personal battle, moving beyond the rock 'n roll war
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