Annotations for Soldiers Poem

Lyric: There’s no justice in the world
 There’s no justice in the world
 And there never was
Annotation:
The line shatters the belief in a historical precedent of justice, often preached by leaders. Instead, the persona states that current atrocities are no exception to the norm (“there never was… justice in the world”); actively contradicting and thus further discrediting the views of unjust leaders. While this sobering acknowledgement unites listeners, it simultaneously insights feelings of hopelessness and disappointment regarding the world’s state. The utilisation of  anaphora (i.e.repeated phrases) evokes great pathos, cementing such daunting knowledge in the listener’s mind.

Lyric: It’s a shame we’re all dying
 And do you think you deserve your freedom?
 
 [Verse 2]
 How could you send us
 So far away from home
 When you know damn well that this is wrong?
 I would still lay down my life for you
 And do you think you deserve your freedom?
 
 [Outro]
 No, I don’t think you do
Annotation:
Those soldiers are dying everyday, knowing that they shouldn’t be there, and that they are killing innocent people. In their eyes, they are fighting for someone else’s economic and political sake, rather than justice and freedom. However, they are soldiers, so they vowed to protect their country and are still willing to sacrifice themselves for it. Matt criticizes this, arguing that those responsible for what happens to the soldiers do not deserve their freedom. From the soldier’s perspective war is just pointless, and is at fault because they tolerate the loss of so many innocent people. Furthermore, he highlights that soldiers are honorable people instead of hating on them: they are victims of war as well.

Lyric: Throw it all away
 Let’s lose ourselves
 ’Cause there’s no one left for us to blame
Annotation:
Nowadays wars are only fought for economical purposes and often countries run out of justifications and “enemies” , throwing soldiers' lives away for no reason.

