People keep misinterpreting the lyrics. The song isn't out to vindicate how terrible the soldier is. In fact, we see the story from his POV. He joins, thinking he's doing the right thing. Instead, he finds out war is hell and he's not fighting for freedom, he's fighting against the oppressed around him. Instead of being this paragon of freedom that he thought he would be, he saw himself as the one causing it. This song isn't against servicemembers. It actually tries to sympathize with them, while making the statement clear that war is terrible for all sides and that the justification of "We're protecting democracy" just isn't true when it's really just to further the interests of business and that we have lost our humanity far enough that he killed a child. This song has far more respect for servicemen and women around the world as it shows the reality of what they may have to face.
I am a Marine, I've had two of my closest friends commit suicide whilst serving. This song hit home because one of them used to sing this song to me at bootcamp while wrighting letters to our loved ones. I'll never forget his voice, or this song
Thank you for your service and I am so sorry about ur friends. It makes me so sad. I am thinking of training to volunteer for a suicide hotline I have in the past done a sexual assault survivors hotline. I hope I can help someone else friend
Last time I saw Rise Against in concert, I was standing next to a group of soldiers in the pit. They cried through this entire song. They were wearing t-shirts that listed the names of the friends they had lost. I cry through this song every time I hear it and I think of those guys.
there is band called Koffin Kats; lead singer is a Desert Strom 2 Vet the album has three heart sinking songs that have a vibe like this "I saw my friend explode today", "Heading of to Battle", and "Forever for Hire"; these 4 songs along with 5FDP's "Wrong Side of Heaven/Righteous Side of Hell" make me bawl my eyes out.
Have you ever think about American soldiers and why do they take part in wars they dont even care about? Why do they interfere into other countries problems?
“I asked her to stop, I BEGGED her to stay” The pure emotion that you can hear in that one line just rips my heart out. The entire song is pure genius.
It reminds me of a friend who shared his experience in Iraq. While thankfully he was able to avoid combat, the one time he had to pull his gun on somebody was for a man who did not comply at a roadblock and turned out to be involved with an IED installation. My friend expressed that while he was drawn on him, the two of them just sat there staring at each other, neither moving and the man never spoke. Until the man was taken into custody, my friend was praying and begging inside that this man did not move a muscle or try anything that would warrant the shot. Thankfully nothing happened. It is a minor experience compared to so many others, but it was a horrible situation and really bothered him. My heart goes out to any who experienced something similar or worse. I can't even imagine.
@Abigail Clark throughout the beginning of the song he is speaking of the U.S flag and the honor he feels fighting for it, but he begins to resent it after seeing the terrible things that they are doing, all these things are weighing in on him and building then when he accidentally shoots the woman holding the white flag as a sign of surrender he hits his turning point, he no longer sings of faith in the U.S flag after that incident in the song. Instead of the U.S flag that he vowed to carry to the grave in the beginning of the song, he brings home the white flag of peace, im sure in honor of her and the other innocents who died for "democracy".
To me when he sings the final version of the chorus after that he goes from portraying a character trying to convince yourself that he is doing the right thing to downright anguish. literally crying out "so damn proud of me". He then says he "brought home that flag" referring to the flag of peace carried by the girl as opposed to the USA flag used in the rest of the song and says "the only flag I trust". Creating a theme of fighting specifically for what you believe rather than simply those that claim to value it. This is further brought home by repeating the opening which is given the new meaning of seeing the world for what it really is.
Ive commented on this video multiple times over 10 years. Its almost like my personal emotional account of how i am dealing with PTSD as my life progresses, and as i see the world progress. These men in Rise Against are better at connecting within the individual veteran more than our own comrades. They dont realize the impact this song has had on millions of us who struggle everyday. I don't even believe their intent was known how far it would go. Thank you so much for writing this song. I understood it in 2009. I understand it even more in 2023.
6 campaigns, 3 theaters, 8 deployment, and i can tell you this is the most accurate representation of your mentality from the time you enlist to when you get out.
+Crater Fist Don't know if you intended this as the joke others seem to take it as, but in many ways you're right... At the end, there really is no right or wrong in any battle. It's just pain, fear, death and misery. One doesn't determine the right side or winners in a real war - just who is left standing... and what those people have to carry with them.
In their DVD...Tim says he has had people come up and say "thank you" for writing hero of war ..and he has also had people come up and say "how dare you" write hero of war. And that quote has stuck with me for probably 10 years now. That's incredible. This song and this album are still relevant...I'm definitely on the thank you side.
I'm a combat veteran and was sent this today because it reminded him of me. I hadn't heard or seen this video before and it made me tear up. It's been 15 yrs from the last deployment I was in and some of the things I did, was witness to and went through still haunt me to this day. Veteran's day is bitter sweet because I love our flag and our country but I'm ashamed of myself for things God can forgive. But I can't forgive myself.
Oif 5 army vet here. Stay strong brother and the best way to forgive yourself is to be there for those that can't forgive themselves and offer a shoulder and an ear. Message me if you need to brother I got you.
Its what happens when you (referring to any human being not specifically you) joins a war that's not yours but of some people who wants their "cut of oil" and puppets who helps that people to get their cut. Its oil or whatever depends on war you're in. So when you realized its not your war, happens what happened to you, blaming yourself for what have you done thinking you were doing to serve country. But unfortunately thats too late, people died and they will never come back doesnt matter how much you're regretting. So whoever did kill innocent people thinking they were terrorists, better to know a kid growing up longing his dad/mom everytime they look at their own kids
I saw them perform a few days ago and there was a guy there with a sign that said he could play this song on guitar. And Tim pulled him on to the stage and gave him a guitar the guy actually played the whole song with them. It was pretty surreal and awesome to see that happen.
I'm a vet and this song makes me react one of two ways every time I hear it. I either clench my jaw in defiance of the message of the song, or cry my eyes out in accordance with the truth of it.
Thank you for your service. But also I am sorry this world is so screwed up. I am sorry that is as human beings can't find a way to work together rather than put other lives at steak.
Thank you for your service. I can't imagine what u went through, but what little I know of life is that truths often seem contradictory and yet they are true. I think both your emotions about this song are probably right in one sense, and wrong in another.
Kyle97x No because I support their SAFE RETURN. I support the troops as PEOPLE. People who BELIEVE they are fighting for a good cause and people who have FAMILY and FRIENDS to get back to. If you wanna blame war on someone, blame government and corporations NOT the troops.
theamvgirlx sooo blame the government and corporations, but not the dude with the gun in his hands who is 'just following orders'...do you not realize without the soldiers, the govt wouldnt be able to go to war? Could you imagine some stuffy old bastard in a suit and a tie manning the trenches? Those guys would never bloody their hands and thanks to the US military they wont have to...thousands of young men are jumping at the chance to give up their free will and do what they are told whether they think its right or wrong. The only right way to support the troops is to tell them never to join, to hold on their free will, to not buy into this 'american hero' bullshit and to do what is right no matter what they are told...not the other way around. smdh...im gonna get to much hate for this...but it is the ugly truth.
zootownmama The "dude with the gun" thinks he's doing the right thing. Therefore, he is a good person. Also, why don't YOU go to war and try and disobey the orders you're commanded, see what happens. You would just go along with it too if you were there. So stop talking as if you have the brass balls. You can't just say "wait, this isn't right." in the middle of the war umm.. fucking reality check, you'd just be shot and all the other soldiers would continue and nobody would give a FUCK. You think this is an ideal world? You need to come back to reality.
Nobody forced him to join the services in the first place. Just bc you are misinformed about the reasons you are there, doesn't excuse you from the moral culpability of murder
Oliver Casey You don't even know How the fuck I hate people who hear "firearm" , they starting thinking that its a lot of "fun" , think that you can pick up , aim at someone... and open fire... , cause its ''fun'' , knowledge of those people is just standing on video games , and then , they can say that they know everything about it... in my entire life I wasn't even at once action , I saw many faces that now probaly not here... or just kidnapped... and God damn it I will everytime repeating to everyone that even using it for "fun" or sport that aiming on piece of cartoons is just not same as aiming to living persons , its not a toy , It's like you holding your life , life of your enemies and your partners from group , and If you are going to make a one mistake , it can took someone's even forever...
11B, OIF 07-08, OEF 10-11. Fucking kills me every time I hear this. I can't make it through the whole song without losing it. One day, maybe. This captures the disillusionment in a way that can't be quantified. Fucking hell man. Lost too many brothers and sisters to this very disillusionment. We survived so much over there, just to lose it all at home years later. I wish I could thank these guys in person, for making a song that means so much to so many of us. And I really wish I could properly articulate just how much it mirrors the journey so perfectly; from the young naïve desire to see the world and be something bigger than yourself, all the way to the end of the journey that none of us ever expected to end the way it did-- tragedy ten years after the uniform was put on for the last time. From pride at signing up when we were attacked 20 years ago, to sitting at home disabled and discarded, crying to a youtube video. "Just medals and scars, so damn proud of me. I brought home that flag, now it gathers dust." Fuck dude. Fuck.
Hey...yea our govt and most of those we served for blew us the fuck off when we came back from the shit you went thru, to me sitting in the middle of the country watching long range bombers. But you know what, we've got each other. Family man, a family bigger and.better than any will ever know. USAF 3PO51 05-09.
Not American but I am an ex British infantry man i served in Iraq in 2006/7 when I was 19 I never ever cry I have only ever listened to this song twice as I cannot handle it it hits the nail on the head with me anyway and I'm sure it does with a lot of other vets, I would have died on that tour at any point happily at the time , but coming home and reality has hit I realise we was not the knights in shining armour I carry guilt and a murderers conscience with me every day , I sighed up so I cannot complain too much but our filthy politicians need dealing with , i can't even explain myself properly here all I can say is god bless all veterans u.s and British and all the Iraq civilians caught up in that hell on earth thay we and the enemy gave them , another thing if your thinking of ending it all TALK TO SOMEONE , each life lost is a total waste
God I feel this too. Wasn’t a 11B but did plenty of stuff over there I’ve had to come to terms with. Just know you’re a hero in my eyes man. Not because of what you did over there but because of what you’ve grown to come to terms with about your time down range. I’m sure you’re a good dude just by reading your comment.
Found this song while driving for work just listening to Spotify a few days ago. It took everything in me not to pull over and cry my eyes out. This is the true soldier's anthem and I thank God every day that I am no longer tied up in the war machine. War is hell, don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise and don't swear the oath of protection unless you really mean it because upholding that oath is the most terrible thing you might ever experience.
All these people arguing back and forth whether this music video is patriotic towards America or not are not even discussing the topic of the song. The song has nothing to do with America and it never mentions America once. The song is just saying that there's no winners in war, just people who lose less then the other guy and that war shouldn't be glorified.
It's amazing how great this song is and how good Rise Against are, but people like Swift still is the most popular, and she doesn't even compare to how good these guys are.
Come on admit, if this music was mainstream then people wouldn't like it as much, anyway Taylor Swift must be doing something right since so many people like her
Actually rise against is pretty popular for a punk band, especially compared to bands they toured with when they first started such as anti flag. 2,000,000 views is more than bands that play this kind of punk.
The last chorus killed me. I graduated early to join. I chose the Navy on a last-second descision. I thought I fucked up by not going combat, until I saw what our politicians were really doing. We weren't fighting terror. We were playing a game that the elites demanded we play. They told us we were defending our families and home. When I realized that the same governments funded both sides of the war, I lost my shit. I was discharged with an OTH, I was put in a mental ward, and I was treated like a criminal by most people I knew, for seeing the truth and talking about it. Our servicemen are not monsters. They are good people that were lied to and lured into a war that doesn't exist. A war on ideology. The last verse kills me, because I knew good guys that had to make the hardest call any man can make, and because of these politicians and bankers, they had to choose between themselves and these children that were being used, just the same as the poor men that had to fire those shots. War is made by politicians, but they never fight. They enjoy the show, from afar. Sound like Rome, much?
@@MarxEngelsLeninStalin That’s what THEY want the masses to believe but it’s bigger then “capitalism” and it’s not just any “capitalism” it’s corporate capitalism. I won’t pretend to have it all figured out because I don’t but it’s not just one thing or category by any stretch. I’ve learned to seek deeper, question more, try to peel away at the half truths, challenge even things I was once certain about and only then has it become clearer that there are things that we just don’t know because the powers that be over many decades have worked very hard to hide it. Unfortunately far too much trust is given to those that appear in authority positions without considering perhaps, that they have been compromised, pressured, threatened, and more. After reading and listening to the speech JFK gave called the president and the press, it seems pretty clear much has been happening that a lot are still not aware of unfortunately. I’ve come to find that some of history has been terribly distorted which goes back to the blind trust a lot of us dish out. No one is immune either. It actually really stunned me to revisit the nine eleven event with the objective to disprove what I considered just rumors and “conspiracy” crap to realize even if I don’t believe all of them, there are so many things surrounding it that just do not add up. I invite others to just go back and watch the mass amount of press coverage from numerous outlets from that day because they are insightful.
@@chrissy916 I am not familiar with that so I’ll have to look into it. I’ve heard of the word but I need to learn what it is and whatnot as I really don’t know unfortunately. That’s what I like about just chatting, it typically teaches me something I wasn’t aware of and broadens my thinking, thank you.
As a retired combat veteran this song hits where many painful memories reside, I have gone to introduce this song and amazing band to many of my ptsd groups, they all love it. Thank you Rise Against for this and all your music and talent
Zack Ontiveros That's a fact of war, not the point. The point is to support the global elite. Wether it be religious cult leaders, oil tycoons, politicians and so on.
I think war is built on false promises, the old sending the young to die on the maddening quest of dominance, this is our problem. we shouldn't have it but we do it doesn't matter who's in charge in the end they will fail us all
As a former Marine and veteran of Iraq, the meaning was clear as bell to me. I love this song and it's much easier than awkwardly not knowing how to respond when people "thank me for fighting for their freedom". Inside I think, "if you only knew", but usually I shake their hand, smile and nod.
Yeah, sorry, zombie post. I was a corpsman, field medic during Desert Storm, first gulf war. Mostly I was not in the field. I was on support vessels, VA hospitals, clinics in Long Beach and Treasure Island, picking up the pieces. I wasn't combat, I mean, they gave me a Meritorious Service During Time of War medal, but I never thought I deserved it. I was just, "What? What's this for?" Somebody thought I did, I guess.
I do the same thing, always fighting the urge to tell them not to thank me. I hung up the uniform and started hanging drywall, because the medals were too heavy.
I am a 23 years old sedentary Brazilian man, I've never seen anything close to a war in my life (to which I am grateful) and yet this is the only song that brings tears to my eyes
3/5 Marine, GWOT combat vet. The realest song, the lyric “Its the only Flag I trust” hits home. Because its supposed to stand for all that we believed was right and good when we all Volunteered.
There are no good or bad people in war, no one to blame or curse. No one to praise. There are no victors in war, only victims.. Only the dead have seen the end of war. The victim see it every time they close their eyes for in the end only the soldiers see the brutality futility and stupidity. War doesn't determine who's right in the end it determines who's left.
Grayson Maximillian Phoenix Nice compilation of quotes. Sad though that you refuse to at least tell people who actually said these words before you. For example: Bertrand Russel "war doesn't determine who's right...", Plato "only the dead have seen the end of war!" or Ellie Wiesel "There are no victors in war, only victims!" I don't mean to attack you in anyway but this is exactly how the wisdom of these great philosophers is forgotten. This should also help you in case you have to write an essay or academic paper anytime soon. Always provide citations of your sources!! But you did put a nice spin on it though :)
Beni Wehrle Truthfully I just spouted that off my head and some jargon I found in my notes from long ago from a short story I penned. I did not mean to insult or state anything
God... Why do I always come back to this song at times like this? We are those who are not for or against any country or ideology, we only ask PEACE. ❤️
@@chriswolf5615 we know mate, there's huge awareness being spread in the western-world that this is a war with Putin, not with the people of Russia. There have been talks with russian soldiers that didn't even know what they were supposed to do, they were just told they were going on a "training" mission in Ukraine. This is a sad story for you too, we know
i interpret the white flag that he brought home as a way of saying "no more killing! no more killing!" and the white on the american flag stands for purity so if the white stands for purity on the american flag and a white flag in general means surrender i believe what the deeper meaning is, is that he has seen enough brutality and murder in his time in the service and he no longer believes in killing but only surrender and the white paint in terms of the american flag is just another way of saying "im pure i no longer kill"
This song doesn’t hit more close to home until after you’ve been through it. I always thought this song was just out of touch and stupid before I joined and now going through it I realize how accurate this shit is. Wish I could have run into my past self and at least issued a word of warning as to what the hell I was getting myself into.
Y'know, lotta people are arguing about "oh, this is pro-military" or "oh this is anti-military". Nah, it's anti-war. You can be anti-war without being against the military or those serving it.
Exactly. I see/hear an anti war anthem when I watch this. War is hell and evil for all sides involved. This song captures that well. A budding soldier ready to fight is swept up in the brutal reality of it and the innocent lives that are taken amongst the chaos....
aviatorEngineer Yes you can. The song is clearly anti-war, which means it’s obviously against the military, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s opposing the average soldier. The song is making a point that war is hell, and that many young men don’t realize what they’re signing up for when they join. It’s pro-soldier, as it tells the real story of war rather than some glamorized version pushed by the media, Hollywood, or politicians.
@@ryanradez2703 sad part is the far left wingers hate this country and everything else, because of how ignorant and brainwashed they are, they are snowflakes for a reason 💀💀💀
About 10 years ago a school friend of mine died when we were not yet 18 years old. It was her favorite song and was played at the funeral - there was a video of her singing the song herself with the guitar. I couldn't hear it for years after that. When the song came on the radio today, for the first time I didn't turn off the radio and listened to the song to the end. Every second really hurt. This song will hurt my whole lifetime.
This song, man. My dad is a Vietnam vet. He was stationed on a place called Da Nang. EOD. My dad told grandpa once that aside from the family he wasn't ever welcomed home. He was called a baby killer just like the rest. So when I was ten years old, 34 years after he got out of Vietnam, I made him a card for Veterans Day, just like the other kids. However, mine said "Welcome Home". The school sent them out and my teacher asked why I wrote mine that way. I told her what I overheard. That's the only time I ever saw her cry. Edit; I didn’t realize this would get the thumbs up numbers that it has, and for Father’s Day I’m going to tell him about this post again and read some of your comments. (6-11-21)
Your dad got used of makes greeded people. He was kind of a victim, too. Also the people in the korean war, in the middle east and the latest one the people in the ukraine. People can't change what happened. And I think he suffered by that, too? Many soldiers not only americans are also kind of victim of propaganda. I mean, why should a normal person want to go to war? Nobody with healthy mind would want to kill someone or get the risk to get killed. So the people who send soldiers to wars have to, kinda brainwash(?) the soldiers before they become a soldier. My thoughts are a bit seperated and my english isn't that good, I hope you can understand what I mean.
@@Rulemaker101 But not without cause. The Vietnamese were kinda dirty with those tactics. Either you and the kid go, or just the kid goes. Can't really blame the soldier.
This song hit home so much. I dont think they understood how real this song is. As a combat vet it makes me weep everytime I hear it because the memories come flooding back. I dont feel disrespected or that Rise Against is Anti military. I feel they painted a very true picture of what I went through for my country and the corruption of my own humanity. I've watch horrible things happen and done horrible things for my country under the guise of being viewed as a hero. I have severe PTSD and have a very hard time living a civilian life. I've had several of my former troops commit suicide from the guilt of things we had to do. I appreciate this song for its honesty but it makes me cry everytime I hear it.
I'm not a veteran, but I feel your emotions whole heartedly. My family has vets and we have a deep appreciation for what they have done for us folks. I'm a welder and help keep this country humming in that way, I am also a Patriot and will stand with the country until I cease. Your words are so real and I pray for all of you guys battling the demons. A marine friend of mine from my welding school UTI in Phoenix AZ recently took his own life, always tragic.
@@icarusburning2208 Every day is a battle for myself and alot of my fellow vets. I'm up in northern Az and I know UTI well. As well as MMI when I was a teenager growing up in Glendale we used to drag race on Happy Valley RD. Phoenix is like a foreign country to me now and having Severe PTSD it is a very stressful situation to even go back down there to visit due to the amount of people. At any rate that song really hits home for me and I love it because it speaks volumes of TRUTH.
@@vintagetrk i don't blame you there, I live in Northern MN now on 30 acres now and I can't stand any city. Did 1 year in Phoenix and that's been my only proper city living I've done. I'm glad this song is there for you and other vets. Be well, I know the forest can be healing. I spent lots of time in the woods to cure my depression.
@@vintagetrk just bought a 1952 Ford 8n this year that my buddies an I are working on periodically. We've got 18 acres of woods on the 30 but we plan on raising our own food. Lots to do and little time. Looks like the world is gonna get jiggy with these incoming supply shortages. Our growing season up here is apx first week of June until early October. So not real long.
lyrics He said "Son Have you seen the world? Well what would you say If I said that you could? Just carry this gun You'll even get paid" I said, "That sounds pretty good" Black leather boots Spit-shined so bright They cut off my hair But it looks alright We marched and we sang We all became friends As we learned how to fight A hero of war Yeah, that's what I'll be And when I come home They'll be damn proud of me I'll carry this flag To the grave if I must Cause it's a flag that I love And a flag that I trust I kicked in the door I yelled my commands The children, they cried But I got my man We took him away A bag over his face From his family and his friends They took off his clothes They pissed in his hands I told them to stop But then I joined in We beat him with guns And batons not just once But again and again A hero of war Yeah, that's what I'll be And when I come home They'll be damn proud of me I'll carry this flag To the grave if I must Cause it's a flag that I love And a flag that I trust She walked Through bullets and haze I asked her to stop I begged her to stay But she pressed on So I lifted my gun And I fired away And the shells jumped trough the smoke And into the sand That the blood now had soaked She collapsed with a flag in her hand A flag white as snow A hero of war Is that what they see? Just medals and scars So damn proud of me And I brought home that flag Now it gathers dust But it's a flag that I love It's the only flag I trust He said "Son Have you seen the world? Well what would you say If I said that you could?"
I think the message is more along the lines of "war is hell and soldiers are the poor bastards who have to deal with it, They aren't indestructible gods. They are people who have done and seen horrible things and been told it was for good a reason " not the whole "grumble grumble, soldiers are evil, the military is evil".
And they come home and realize that they and the ones they fought are really not so different. They all have family, friends, and loved ones. And they must come to terms with what they did to those people, those people with parents and with children.. because they were told to. It's the guilt at the heart of PTSD. It's a hard thing to cope with.
nah, i think it's precisely how it always has been, your view on things might have changed though. i feel bad for all the people who have any kind of war experience. i feel terrible frustration and rage against those that keep starting war after war after war to serve the interests of a small group of companies and businessmen.
@@moos5221 Yea hopefully the next time the United States stands up trying to start a war our divided nation comes together both left and right and they look at the government like fuck you dude we’re not doing this shit again. The amount of money and lives lost… the United States is far from a saint and I guarantee you it’s a matter of time before our government tries getting us sucked into another war… idk hopefully we achieve global peace soon all life is precious the only time we should take a life is to save one ☝🏻
It`s not a question of land, race, colour, religion. It`s a question of life, of freedom of peace. There isn`t anything more important to fight for than peace. Becouse it is EVERYONES right to live and grow in peace. Nor more war on europen ground.
Lyrics He said son, have you seen the world? Well, what would you say if I said that you could Just carry this gun, you'll even get paid I said that sounds pretty goodBlack leather boots Spit-shined so bright They cut off my hair but it looked alright We marched and we sang We all became friends As we learned how to fightA hero of war Yeah that's what I'll be And when I come home They'll be damn proud of me I'll carry this flag To the grave if I must Cause it's a flag that I love And a flag that I trustI kicked in the door I yelled my commands The children, they cried But I got my man We took him away A bag over his face From his family and his friendsThey took off his clothes They pissed in his hands I told them to stop But then I joined in We beat him with guns And batons not just once But again and againA hero of war Yeah that's what I'll be And when I come home They'll be damn proud of me I'll carry this flag To the grave if I must Cause it's a flag that I love And a flag that I trustShe walked through bullets and haze I asked her to stop I begged her to stay But she pressed on So I lifted my gun And I fired awayAnd the shells jumped through the smoke And into the sand That the blood now had soaked She collapsed with a flag in her hand A flag white as snowA hero of war Is that what they see? Just medals and scars So damn proud of me And I brought home that flag Now it gathers dust But it's a flag that I love The only flag that I trustHe said, son, have you seen the world? Well what would you say, if I said that you could?
This song is honestly such a hard hitting masterpiece. Edit: this song is hauntingly more relevent now than it was when I originally left this comment here 7 years ago. Please stay strong and take care of yourselves everybody. One day we'll see real world peace. Maybe not in our lifetimes, but it'll happen one day.
I was an Army Airborne Infantryman and I can say this song is not an actual insult to servicemen.. it's just real. It's just the truth and yeah the truth, is hard to swallow. War is a terrible terrible awful thing
There is ZERO reason to FUCKING BELIEVE that fighting against the insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan is wrong. Literally ZERO REASON. Our enemies over there fuck little boys instead of their wives. Our enemies TARGET innocent people going to the store. ISIS, Al Qaeda, Taliban, and whatever else they want to call themselves are PURE EVIL. The people we have fought overseas literally target CHILDREN. Moral equivalence is a bullshit concept. Go over there and witness it first hand dumbass,;before you try to justify terrorist/insurgents actions.
BelowAverage 11BVet the C.I.A. trained and gave Guns to ISIS and Alqaeda and also created ISIS this is no conspiracy just history dont believe me fine that wont change the past
Finally somebody speaks the truth about what goes on in war. I freaking hate patriotic commercials that make it seem as if the represented country is morally awesome. Wake up ladies and gentlemen! For us to live the way that we live, it comes with a price.
This made me remember this quote: "Kill one person, and it's a tragedy, kill one hundred, a thousand, a million of people, and it just becomes another number".
The origin of that quote is the Renaissance I believe. The original is "kill a man, one is a murderer; kill a million, a conqueror; kill them all, a god"
Rest in peace, Tom "TomTom" Barnes. Aged 43. Loved relative. KIA. Iraq. 2013. Squad killed, held off hostiles until last civilians rescued, died in progress. Not every soldier has to be a villain. I miss you, Tom.
I listened to this song, while taking a warm shower and I still got the strongest goosebumps of my life. Much respect to all those serving for no matter what country, and a true masterpiece by Rise Against. Thank all of you, may God bless you.
So true. Whenever I hear a song, such as this one, that acts as a sermon of remembrance. I think back to those times when my single father was deployed to Kuwait, later Iraq, and as a child I was more alone than I could bare, but my father went anyway because of his love for his country. It was hard, and I often cried, similar to my reaction to the recurring memories buried in this song. Beautiful song...
thats what life is... death and decay... memories fade with time so do we... thats decay and everything that is born, dies... BUT always remember that life will go on smile it will make you day better ^-^
+R7 Jet Reider Very true. However, we live in a world ruled by a hateful bloodthirsty species. Ultimately there is always going to be war and there is nothing any of us can do to stop it. Hate will always be present as long as there are two people still alive on this earth one will find a reason to hate the other and fight over it. I've come to accept that there is just always going to be war and violence in this world, but all the good things big and small outweigh the bad and you have to take solace in that.
The military forces of a country should only be big enough to defend their own borders. Now we have a moronic and racist oligarchy trying to force their greed on the rest of the world. Yup it's the broken states of 'Murica. I mean not because my own country is innocent but our wars have always been for simple land near us or self defense. To think that the world's biggest bully is armed with nukes is just scary. Got nothing but respect for the individuals but the US military (and most of NATO) is just rotten to the core.
King Diamond (a metal musician originally from Denmark living in the US) explained it pretty well. “I am eligible to vote in the upcoming US Presidential election, but I won't, because there isn't a candidate who represents what I want. In Denmark, you have 13 or more political parties, so it's not too difficult to find a party who reflect your views. Coalitions happen all the time, and there's a decent percentage that will be represented. In America, though, it's a two party system, and that's bad because they spend much of the time disagreeing with each other for the sake of casing arguments. If one patty suggests doing something, you know the other will automatically argue against that. So, what chance is there for a reasonable representation?" teamrock.com/feature/2016-04-22/king-diamond-music-politics-religion-tv-sport-health-fans
The recent news has brought me back here. A thoroughly depressing situation, and my thoughts are with everyone who sacrificed on the promises of those at the top.
@@zwojack7285 Biden withdrawn troops from Afghanistan without a proper planning, within a week the taliban has essentially now taken control of the country. Cos of that now there's American citizens left behind/still there, and sadly 1000s of lives sacrificed over 20 years for essentially nothing. Horrifying/devastating for anyone involved
i served 20 years its over now, my best friend was killed in front of me by an i e d, worsyt day of my life afganistan was a hard road, rip colbourn i tried to save you, but i failed. love u brother ppcli airborn all the way 2nd battalian..love you brother your little girl misses you and your memory will never die....
+Saul Star Amen brother. Take care of yourself and colbourn's family. I don't know either of you but coming from a military family I am sure he would want you to care for them. Blessed be my friend and thank you for your sacrifices.
I was a soldier in the IDF for two years and 8 months, i've been a tank commander at war. I was diagnosed with PTSD and there is not even one day without thinking about the lives that i took and the friends that I lost and i'm listening over and over again to this great song and thinking about how tough this world is. May there come peace to everybody, and no more wars on earth.
You are not alone brotha, I am Palestinian and I know you guys are forced to do what you do. Most of you joined because you had to and the brainwashing that was spilled onto you early as a child. I have American/Danish/German/Israeli friends who went through the same thing from the military and it brought us closer than ever.
@@morbidsstudio stop sympathizing with child killers. Let them live with the truth what they did and the pain they put everyone through. Pray that they be trialled Nuremberg style for the countless killings they've done.
Anybody who took lives for whatever reason was, must be aware that they caused a kid to go to bed without being able to touch their dads or moms. So someone else is suffering any second they breath because a pain they caused. I dont wanna be "stonehearted" but being regretful wont bring them back and that things arent something can be said " Lets forget it and look further" about. There is no right war that people lose their families in.
@@AA-wp8yl I am no child killer, never killed or hurt directly a child. I was a soldier in a war, and I never shot anybody who did'nt shot at me first and tried to kill me. I understand that if you are not an israeli or a palestinian things may look different from your view. but for my personal opinion, there are two sides for this terrible war which i hope one day will end, and there are no winners. I am sure that the pain i feel for my fallen friends is not different from the pain I caused for those who loved the so called "enemy" warriors that i killed, and this circles goes on and on for decades. I don't hate arabs, and i support a solution between israel and palestine so they will have their own states next to israel (in the borders of june 4th 1967), so don't make me a child murderer or a racist, because that's just chip politcs and it's far from being true.
Iron Ryu Unless something bad happened to your father (in which case I'm sorry and the rest of the comment doesn't apply), I don't really see what's emotional about it.
Nick Burns Nothing too bad, he got shot in the arm. But it's emotional because I was worried. I don't know if you had anyone in your family going to war. But it's just nervwrecking to sit at home and thinking about that your father could be dead right now or captured or what ever. I know you might say "Just don't think about it" But that's really not possible in that situation..
Iron Ryu My dad went to Afghanistan, too. I didn't really think about it much, I wasn't that worried. I guess we just had different ways of thinking about it.
To those current & former service members whose lives have been changed by what you experienced in the line of duty, when you feel that society has moved on and forgetten, know that there are still people out there that recognize and appreciate what you have done. Thank you! ✌️🤜
It gives me the chills know what our soldiers will do for the world but our government doesn't hardly help and their also gonna make this world go to shit. I'm grateful the the soldiers and the veterans considdering my grandfather was a veteran. He doesn't have much of hud life left but I will enjoy our last moments. He is a veteran though, doesn't deserve any problems. I mean, damn. a couple months ago, he was having a heart attack and drove himself to the hospital. And we have the VA hospital. Soldiers are dieing because they aren't helping them. I will enjoy the life I have with my grandpa.
"This song is not anti-amreican. It's anti WAR" - Billie Joe Armstrong about the Green Day song "Holiday". In my oppinion the quote also fits "Hero of war" 10000 %
That's not what it is at all... He's singing about the horrors of war not anti this or anti that it's showing what our men and women go thru and live with
This is about the soldiers line of progression. Starting in basic thinking they are fighting for America and will come back a hero. Next being deployed and finding out you are really fighting for that person next to you and doing what you must to survive. Finally committing the atrocities of war and getting it. The line “a hero of war, is that what they see? Just medals and scars, so damn proud of me.” He’s come full circle and understands. That standing ovation you get when you come home doesn’t mean dick. The world will never know the monster you had to be to come home. Heroes don’t come home only the monsters do.
There's something to notice about the final chorus for those who didn't catch it. In the first few verses, he believes in his country and what he's doing. Slowly he hates what he's doing more and more. The tipping point is when he's forced to shoot the girl, and finds her holding a white flag. This breaks him and the changed last chorus then says how he's now disgusted by how they're proud of him, he takes the white flag and says it's the only flag he loves or trusts now. At the end of the song, he doesn't believe in his country or in what he was being made to do.
I showed This song to My dad and he loved it! He told me a story about when he was in the Swedish military. So basically, he was with his group (think it was Delta) and they were controlling the border between we're the military had control, and were the "terrorists" had control. When they were watching, my dad saw two parents crying on their side behind the fence between the border. He got to them and they said that their two children was on the other side. He wasn't allowed to go over to the other side, because then he dead in a few second. But my dad borrowed a car from someone (I don't really remember) and drove right into their opponents side. The other guys made his radio buzz like crazy, but he wanted to get the children. He actually found the two kids that told him that their parents was on the other side, so he knew it was them. He drove them back to the military's side and the children rushed into their parents arms. They were so happy to see each other. However, his other mates were really angry for risking his life but he managed to bring a family together and basically saved the children.
This song hits hard, because when you join up you have a perspective that is changed when you are out again. I feel every bit of this song. Great work.
i have been listening to this song since it came out, and tonight is the first time i ever listened to the whole thing, because i always cry too hard during the last verse to finish.
I feel like if the world paid attention to the messages Rise Against has in their songs, it would be a MUCH better place.. We're already screwed enough with everything going on as it is today, we don't need to mess this place up even more with harmful wars or anything.. If only we could all unite and try making a better place sigh.
Well,if anything these comments have taught me, its that at least half the people can't even understand the message properly. I mean they're over here praising the soldiers in the current conflicts, instead of feeling sorry for them. As well as encouraging kids that say they will enlist, to enlist.
I seriously love how Rise Against is anti war, but they never once insult the soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, you know the people actually fighting. In fact all their anger seems to be pointed at the powers that be, the politicians, the VA, the system in general. As someone who’s in the Army, I really love that. As to this song and Survivors Guilt, they have both become a huge favorite of mine rather quickly. With everything going on in Afghanistan, all the uncertainty, and the chaos, to everyone that’s over there, please be careful. Thank you, Rise Against. Much love!
I just found this today, and I have cried more than once, and had an empathic breakdown on the fourth listen. It's the 2nd chorus that gets me. Same lyrics, but now it's almost sarcastic in its hindsight, like what a fool I was for thinking that. I have so much respect for the people that go through shit like this, and though I will probably never understand at the same level, i still understand.
People keep misinterpreting the lyrics. The song isn't out to vindicate how terrible the soldier is. In fact, we see the story from his POV. He joins, thinking he's doing the right thing. Instead, he finds out war is hell and he's not fighting for freedom, he's fighting against the oppressed around him. Instead of being this paragon of freedom that he thought he would be, he saw himself as the one causing it. This song isn't against servicemembers. It actually tries to sympathize with them, while making the statement clear that war is terrible for all sides and that the justification of "We're protecting democracy" just isn't true when it's really just to further the interests of business and that we have lost our humanity far enough that he killed a child. This song has far more respect for servicemen and women around the world as it shows the reality of what they may have to face.
correctly explained.
Jonathan Jones I agree but why did they have to display the flag upside down?
+jonathan velasco Flying the flag upside down is a sign of distress.
It signals, loss of life or property.
+jonathan velasco In other words, they were being symbolic with the flag.
It represented distress, and loss of life.
Yup. Thanks for clearing that up. The comments are nuts.
I am a Marine, I've had two of my closest friends commit suicide whilst serving. This song hit home because one of them used to sing this song to me at bootcamp while wrighting letters to our loved ones. I'll never forget his voice, or this song
❤️❤️❤️ Bless you, dude. Nobody should have to go through that.
I am sorry about that, man. I have heard suicide is way too common among servicemen and veterans. May they rest in peace
Thank you for your service and I am so sorry about ur friends. It makes me so sad. I am thinking of training to volunteer for a suicide hotline I have in the past done a sexual assault survivors hotline. I hope I can help someone else friend
Respect to you. RIP to all that have fallen.
Im so sry plz saty strong brother
Last time I saw Rise Against in concert, I was standing next to a group of soldiers in the pit. They cried through this entire song. They were wearing t-shirts that listed the names of the friends they had lost. I cry through this song every time I hear it and I think of those guys.
thats deep. this song makes me cry 2 because any war topic makes me tear up
Hole
there is band called Koffin Kats; lead singer is a Desert Strom 2 Vet the album has three heart sinking songs that have a vibe like this "I saw my friend explode today", "Heading of to Battle", and "Forever for Hire"; these 4 songs along with 5FDP's "Wrong Side of Heaven/Righteous Side of Hell" make me bawl my eyes out.
Have you ever think about American soldiers and why do they take part in wars they dont even care about? Why do they interfere into other countries problems?
@@BeardedMIchaelYes, I thought about them. I would say it's an important topic to speak about, but it doesn't fit into CZcams comment section.
“I asked her to stop, I BEGGED her to stay”
The pure emotion that you can hear in that one line just rips my heart out. The entire song is pure genius.
It reminds me of a friend who shared his experience in Iraq. While thankfully he was able to avoid combat, the one time he had to pull his gun on somebody was for a man who did not comply at a roadblock and turned out to be involved with an IED installation. My friend expressed that while he was drawn on him, the two of them just sat there staring at each other, neither moving and the man never spoke. Until the man was taken into custody, my friend was praying and begging inside that this man did not move a muscle or try anything that would warrant the shot. Thankfully nothing happened.
It is a minor experience compared to so many others, but it was a horrible situation and really bothered him. My heart goes out to any who experienced something similar or worse. I can't even imagine.
I thought the flag he brought home was the country flag... just thought if it was the girl's flag?
@@Ocean.DreaMz it’s the girl’s flag. :)
@Abigail Clark throughout the beginning of the song he is speaking of the U.S flag and the honor he feels fighting for it, but he begins to resent it after seeing the terrible things that they are doing, all these things are weighing in on him and building then when he accidentally shoots the woman holding the white flag as a sign of surrender he hits his turning point, he no longer sings of faith in the U.S flag after that incident in the song. Instead of the U.S flag that he vowed to carry to the grave in the beginning of the song, he brings home the white flag of peace, im sure in honor of her and the other innocents who died for "democracy".
To me when he sings the final version of the chorus after that he goes from portraying a character trying to convince yourself that he is doing the right thing to downright anguish. literally crying out "so damn proud of me".
He then says he "brought home that flag" referring to the flag of peace carried by the girl as opposed to the USA flag used in the rest of the song and says "the only flag I trust". Creating a theme of fighting specifically for what you believe rather than simply those that claim to value it. This is further brought home by repeating the opening which is given the new meaning of seeing the world for what it really is.
this song isn't saying "fuck America" or "fuck terrorists", it's saying "fuck war"
yeah fuck america though, Im american we suck ass
Robert Nielson good for you
Julius Pepperwood no it's not good
alright
You're not an American, you're a Communist heathen.
I love how the beginning and ending sentences are the same exact thing, but have completely different meaning.
Yes. Same here bro
Melon Baller I’m so sorry. I live with CPTSD from abuse and that shit SUCKS. Keep surviving. Stay strong
Whoa.. I've been listening to the song for six years.. But now that you say it. 😢
Makes me cry every time fr
I get that the meanings differ, but what exactly does the ending sentence mean?
“She collapsed with a flag in her hands…a flag white as snow…” that verse always brings me to tears. 😭😢
Every line in this song is just peak Rise Against lyricism. The setup of this song to end in tragedy is perfect
Yep
100% correct with these words
Ive commented on this video multiple times over 10 years. Its almost like my personal emotional account of how i am dealing with PTSD as my life progresses, and as i see the world progress. These men in Rise Against are better at connecting within the individual veteran more than our own comrades. They dont realize the impact this song has had on millions of us who struggle everyday. I don't even believe their intent was known how far it would go.
Thank you so much for writing this song. I understood it in 2009. I understand it even more in 2023.
Same here bro. The scenes of him losing control at night gives me chills. I've had way too many nights like that.
Thank you for your service, and welcome home
So do I, i know exactly what you mean
I feel for you all, but as far as I know, there is no forced drafting in the USA.
So, what gives?
6 campaigns, 3 theaters, 8 deployment, and i can tell you this is the most accurate representation of your mentality from the time you enlist to when you get out.
How fucking long were you In what branch? Marines?
How long have you served what the hell
I was in the army for 14 years. 68W
@@killbotkillhound9435 you dont know how bad I want to join 68W in a few years
I hope you're doing OK, stranger.
War does not determine who is right. Only who is left.
Wow good one.
Nice.
+Crater Fist I wish I could tell this joke in my language
+Crater Fist Don't know if you intended this as the joke others seem to take it as, but in many ways you're right... At the end, there really is no right or wrong in any battle. It's just pain, fear, death and misery. One doesn't determine the right side or winners in a real war - just who is left standing... and what those people have to carry with them.
+Crater Fist it can also determine who is strong enough to go forward
In their DVD...Tim says he has had people come up and say "thank you" for writing hero of war ..and he has also had people come up and say "how dare you" write hero of war. And that quote has stuck with me for probably 10 years now. That's incredible. This song and this album are still relevant...I'm definitely on the thank you side.
Those SOBs, who said the latter "how dare you" were some kind of psychopats or just straight stakeholders in the military-industrial complex?
I'm a combat veteran and was sent this today because it reminded him of me. I hadn't heard or seen this video before and it made me tear up. It's been 15 yrs from the last deployment I was in and some of the things I did, was witness to and went through still haunt me to this day. Veteran's day is bitter sweet because I love our flag and our country but I'm ashamed of myself for things God can forgive. But I can't forgive myself.
Oif 5 army vet here. Stay strong brother and the best way to forgive yourself is to be there for those that can't forgive themselves and offer a shoulder and an ear. Message me if you need to brother I got you.
I feel you bro
sorry, but why did you do such things?
Its what happens when you (referring to any human being not specifically you) joins a war that's not yours but of some people who wants their "cut of oil" and puppets who helps that people to get their cut. Its oil or whatever depends on war you're in. So when you realized its not your war, happens what happened to you, blaming yourself for what have you done thinking you were doing to serve country. But unfortunately thats too late, people died and they will never come back doesnt matter how much you're regretting. So whoever did kill innocent people thinking they were terrorists, better to know a kid growing up longing his dad/mom everytime they look at their own kids
Who says God will forgive us? The country? Politicians. Pray there isn't a hell. Cause we are all going there
I saw them perform a few days ago and there was a guy there with a sign that said he could play this song on guitar. And Tim pulled him on to the stage and gave him a guitar the guy actually played the whole song with them. It was pretty surreal and awesome to see that happen.
must have been a awesome and overwhelming experience, and I say overwhelming because this song leaves me teary eyed
+markieman999 I can play it too. If that happened to me, it would be so surreal. I dont even know if I could do it I would probably be so nervous.
***** |Yes it was, I was there all day, its amazing.
+markieman999 and on the nova rock they just came on stage, playing a few songs and left without any words..
I had a lot of fun playing with Tim. Glad you could see it.
I'm a vet and this song makes me react one of two ways every time I hear it.
I either clench my jaw in defiance of the message of the song, or cry my eyes out in accordance with the truth of it.
Thank you for your service. But also I am sorry this world is so screwed up. I am sorry that is as human beings can't find a way to work together rather than put other lives at steak.
Thank you for your service, sir. It's men like you that I look up too.
thank you for your service i am so sorry you had to go though that shit
Thank you for your service. I can't imagine what u went through, but what little I know of life is that truths often seem contradictory and yet they are true. I think both your emotions about this song are probably right in one sense, and wrong in another.
Im not from the USA, i dont understand the song as an accusation.
It just shows how mad war ist and that everyone gets hurt in it.
Not many songs bring tears to my eyes. This is one of them.
most anti war songs are pretty good
Add "You're Somebody Else" by Flora Cash to that list
my ex was in the army and would sing this amd cry. Now this song just makes me laugh
This song hits differently now. I hope every one is doing okay!
Hits super differently when you're listening to it along with explosions and shots outside your house... hello from Ukraine :(
@@eugenek.5757 Hi Eugene, I hope you stay safe and that the song might help you get through this! If you need someone to talk to, I am here for you
@@eugenek.5757 Stay strong brother, love from Greece
:/
@@eugenek.5757 We're all on you're side! Solidarity from the USA and victory to Ukraine 🇺🇦 !
imo there's a difference in supporting the troops, and supporting the war
Kyle97x No because I support their SAFE RETURN. I support the troops as PEOPLE. People who BELIEVE they are fighting for a good cause and people who have FAMILY and FRIENDS to get back to. If you wanna blame war on someone, blame government and corporations NOT the troops.
Kyle97x -Not if you lived through the Vietnam War era.
theamvgirlx sooo blame the government and corporations, but not the dude with the gun in his hands who is 'just following orders'...do you not realize without the soldiers, the govt wouldnt be able to go to war? Could you imagine some stuffy old bastard in a suit and a tie manning the trenches? Those guys would never bloody their hands and thanks to the US military they wont have to...thousands of young men are jumping at the chance to give up their free will and do what they are told whether they think its right or wrong. The only right way to support the troops is to tell them never to join, to hold on their free will, to not buy into this 'american hero' bullshit and to do what is right no matter what they are told...not the other way around. smdh...im gonna get to much hate for this...but it is the ugly truth.
zootownmama The "dude with the gun" thinks he's doing the right thing. Therefore, he is a good person. Also, why don't YOU go to war and try and disobey the orders you're commanded, see what happens. You would just go along with it too if you were there. So stop talking as if you have the brass balls. You can't just say "wait, this isn't right." in the middle of the war umm.. fucking reality check, you'd just be shot and all the other soldiers would continue and nobody would give a FUCK. You think this is an ideal world? You need to come back to reality.
Nobody forced him to join the services in the first place. Just bc you are misinformed about the reasons you are there, doesn't excuse you from the moral culpability of murder
Call of Duty 12 year olds be like " I feel your pain "
Lmao 😂😂
Haha
Oliver Casey You don't even know How the fuck I hate people who hear "firearm" , they starting thinking that its a lot of "fun" , think that you can pick up , aim at someone... and open fire... , cause its ''fun'' , knowledge of those people is just standing on video games , and then , they can say that they know everything about it... in my entire life I wasn't even at once action , I saw many faces that now probaly not here... or just kidnapped... and God damn it I will everytime repeating to everyone that even using it for "fun" or sport that aiming on piece of cartoons is just not same as aiming to living persons , its not a toy , It's like you holding your life , life of your enemies and your partners from group , and If you are going to make a one mistake , it can took someone's even forever...
Oliver Casey Those kids piss me off.
Right
11B, OIF 07-08, OEF 10-11. Fucking kills me every time I hear this. I can't make it through the whole song without losing it. One day, maybe. This captures the disillusionment in a way that can't be quantified. Fucking hell man. Lost too many brothers and sisters to this very disillusionment. We survived so much over there, just to lose it all at home years later. I wish I could thank these guys in person, for making a song that means so much to so many of us. And I really wish I could properly articulate just how much it mirrors the journey so perfectly; from the young naïve desire to see the world and be something bigger than yourself, all the way to the end of the journey that none of us ever expected to end the way it did-- tragedy ten years after the uniform was put on for the last time. From pride at signing up when we were attacked 20 years ago, to sitting at home disabled and discarded, crying to a youtube video. "Just medals and scars, so damn proud of me. I brought home that flag, now it gathers dust." Fuck dude. Fuck.
Hey...yea our govt and most of those we served for blew us the fuck off when we came back from the shit you went thru, to me sitting in the middle of the country watching long range bombers.
But you know what, we've got each other. Family man, a family bigger and.better than any will ever know.
USAF 3PO51 05-09.
Not American but I am an ex British infantry man i served in Iraq in 2006/7 when I was 19 I never ever cry I have only ever listened to this song twice as I cannot handle it it hits the nail on the head with me anyway and I'm sure it does with a lot of other vets, I would have died on that tour at any point happily at the time , but coming home and reality has hit I realise we was not the knights in shining armour I carry guilt and a murderers conscience with me every day , I sighed up so I cannot complain too much but our filthy politicians need dealing with , i can't even explain myself properly here all I can say is god bless all veterans u.s and British and all the Iraq civilians caught up in that hell on earth thay we and the enemy gave them , another thing if your thinking of ending it all TALK TO SOMEONE , each life lost is a total waste
God I feel this too. Wasn’t a 11B but did plenty of stuff over there I’ve had to come to terms with. Just know you’re a hero in my eyes man. Not because of what you did over there but because of what you’ve grown to come to terms with about your time down range. I’m sure you’re a good dude just by reading your comment.
Love you youngster! 03-08 navy combat
@@MICHAEL-wg2lh i work with some british infantry great guys
Found this song while driving for work just listening to Spotify a few days ago. It took everything in me not to pull over and cry my eyes out. This is the true soldier's anthem and I thank God every day that I am no longer tied up in the war machine. War is hell, don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise and don't swear the oath of protection unless you really mean it because upholding that oath is the most terrible thing you might ever experience.
All these people arguing back and forth whether this music video is patriotic towards America or not are not even discussing the topic of the song. The song has nothing to do with America and it never mentions America once. The song is just saying that there's no winners in war, just people who lose less then the other guy and that war shouldn't be glorified.
It's amazing how great this song is and how good Rise Against are, but people like Swift still is the most popular, and she doesn't even compare to how good these guys are.
Isaac Teamann Um, excuse you. They are both wonderful now. Just cause they are different, doesn't mean they both can't be absolutely amazing!
Come on admit, if this music was mainstream then people wouldn't like it as much, anyway Taylor Swift must be doing something right since so many people like her
Actually rise against is pretty popular for a punk band, especially compared to bands they toured with when they first started such as anti flag. 2,000,000 views is more than bands that play this kind of punk.
Isaac Teamann
The Luck is Unstoppable 264 if you don't like it then what are you doing here in the comment section for the damn video then?!
The last chorus killed me. I graduated early to join. I chose the Navy on a last-second descision. I thought I fucked up by not going combat, until I saw what our politicians were really doing. We weren't fighting terror. We were playing a game that the elites demanded we play. They told us we were defending our families and home. When I realized that the same governments funded both sides of the war, I lost my shit. I was discharged with an OTH, I was put in a mental ward, and I was treated like a criminal by most people I knew, for seeing the truth and talking about it. Our servicemen are not monsters. They are good people that were lied to and lured into a war that doesn't exist. A war on ideology. The last verse kills me, because I knew good guys that had to make the hardest call any man can make, and because of these politicians and bankers, they had to choose between themselves and these children that were being used, just the same as the poor men that had to fire those shots. War is made by politicians, but they never fight. They enjoy the show, from afar. Sound like Rome, much?
Sound like capitalism
@@MarxEngelsLeninStalin That’s what THEY want the masses to believe but it’s bigger then “capitalism” and it’s not just any “capitalism” it’s corporate capitalism. I won’t pretend to have it all figured out because I don’t but it’s not just one thing or category by any stretch. I’ve learned to seek deeper, question more, try to peel away at the half truths, challenge even things I was once certain about and only then has it become clearer that there are things that we just don’t know because the powers that be over many decades have worked very hard to hide it.
Unfortunately far too much trust is given to those that appear in authority positions without considering perhaps, that they have been compromised, pressured, threatened, and more.
After reading and listening to the speech JFK gave called the president and the press, it seems pretty clear much has been happening that a lot are still not aware of unfortunately. I’ve come to find that some of history has been terribly distorted which goes back to the blind trust a lot of us dish out. No one is immune either.
It actually really stunned me to revisit the nine eleven event with the objective to disprove what I considered just rumors and “conspiracy” crap to realize even if I don’t believe all of them, there are so many things surrounding it that just do not add up. I invite others to just go back and watch the mass amount of press coverage from numerous outlets from that day because they are insightful.
It's also imperialism. @@izzywizzy685
@@chrissy916 I am not familiar with that so I’ll have to look into it. I’ve heard of the word but I need to learn what it is and whatnot as I really don’t know unfortunately. That’s what I like about just chatting, it typically teaches me something I wasn’t aware of and broadens my thinking, thank you.
Sounds like every empire ever... it's a story as old as time: if you want to know who a war serves look for the people's whose kids ain't dyin' in it.
As a retired combat veteran this song hits where many painful memories reside, I have gone to introduce this song and amazing band to many of my ptsd groups, they all love it. Thank you Rise Against for this and all your music and talent
I think the true point in war is that nobody wins in the end we all lose something
there is no point in war
Juan S. Laborde exactly
Zack Ontiveros "mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind " -JFK
Zack Ontiveros That's a fact of war, not the point. The point is to support the global elite. Wether it be religious cult leaders, oil tycoons, politicians and so on.
I think war is built on false promises, the old sending the young to die on the maddening quest of dominance, this is our problem. we shouldn't have it but we do it doesn't matter who's in charge in the end they will fail us all
As a former Marine and veteran of Iraq, the meaning was clear as bell to me. I love this song and it's much easier than awkwardly not knowing how to respond when people "thank me for fighting for their freedom". Inside I think, "if you only knew", but usually I shake their hand, smile and nod.
Dude how it feels when in Iraq, you know invading another country for any reasons but oil
Yeah, sorry, zombie post. I was a corpsman, field medic during Desert Storm, first gulf war. Mostly I was not in the field. I was on support vessels, VA hospitals, clinics in Long Beach and Treasure Island, picking up the pieces. I wasn't combat, I mean, they gave me a Meritorious Service During Time of War medal, but I never thought I deserved it. I was just, "What? What's this for?" Somebody thought I did, I guess.
I do the same thing, always fighting the urge to tell them not to thank me. I hung up the uniform and started hanging drywall, because the medals were too heavy.
@@rayhendrickson8055 That is one very powerful statement you just made, and it, too, is weighing heavily on me just thinking about it.
Only if people knew...
I am a 23 years old sedentary Brazilian man, I've never seen anything close to a war in my life (to which I am grateful) and yet this is the only song that brings tears to my eyes
3/5 Marine, GWOT combat vet.
The realest song, the lyric “Its the only
Flag I trust” hits home.
Because its supposed to stand for all that we believed was right and good when we all
Volunteered.
OG OIF vet, 3 ID.
I see you, brother.
Pure indoctrination, that's how it works. For them.
There are no good or bad people in war, no one to blame or curse. No one to praise. There are no victors in war, only victims.. Only the dead have seen the end of war. The victim see it every time they close their eyes for in the end only the soldiers see the brutality futility and stupidity. War doesn't determine who's right in the end it determines who's left.
Grayson Maximillian Phoenix this guy gets it.
Grayson Maximillian Phoenix
can I quote you? :O
your description of war is so well written and reflects my thoughts on war just perfectly
Sanguine Sure lol and thank you for your kind words :)
Grayson Maximillian Phoenix
Nice compilation of quotes. Sad though that you refuse to at least tell people who actually said these words before you. For example: Bertrand Russel "war doesn't determine who's right...", Plato "only the dead have seen the end of war!" or Ellie Wiesel "There are no victors in war, only victims!" I don't mean to attack you in anyway but this is exactly how the wisdom of these great philosophers is forgotten. This should also help you in case you have to write an essay or academic paper anytime soon. Always provide citations of your sources!! But you did put a nice spin on it though :)
Beni Wehrle Truthfully I just spouted that off my head and some jargon I found in my notes from long ago from a short story I penned. I did not mean to insult or state anything
Damn ninjas cutting onions
The little bastards threw salt in my eyes
+A Tuba who did
The ninjas did...
+A Tuba sad lol
And right up under my face, too. How do they move that fast?
God... Why do I always come back to this song at times like this? We are those who are not for or against any country or ideology, we only ask PEACE. ❤️
Goodluck to ukraine..
I wish I wasnt so young so I can go and fight for Ukraine
but its bound to lose
Shits so sad humans don’t learn from past mistakes
With peace, from Russia.
We don't want this war. We are regular human, like you. We want peaceful sky.
Its a hard times for all of us.
@@chriswolf5615 we know mate, there's huge awareness being spread in the western-world that this is a war with Putin, not with the people of Russia. There have been talks with russian soldiers that didn't even know what they were supposed to do, they were just told they were going on a "training" mission in Ukraine. This is a sad story for you too, we know
Seriously the only song that actually captures the highs that a new soldier feels followed by the lows. Reach out and talk...you’re not alone.
"A flag white as snow." Gives the most chills I've ever experienced when listening to music.
Collapsed with the white flag...
Max Christensen the only flag he trusts...
Max Christensen if this is iraq this means surrender in Afghanistan it's the talibans flag
Such an emotional song. I have no idea how he can get through it with cracking. Especially that part.
i interpret the white flag that he brought home as a way of saying "no more killing! no more killing!" and the white on the american flag stands for purity so if the white stands for purity on the american flag and a white flag in general means surrender
i believe what the deeper meaning is, is that he has seen enough brutality and murder in his time in the service and he no longer believes in killing but only surrender
and the white paint in terms of the american flag is just another way of saying "im pure i no longer kill"
pro war or anti war
for all of the men and women, who bleed for the red white and blue,
who lose friends, family and their own lives,
we thank you.
whos this we
Some Romeo
proud respectful Americans.
amen
im irish so fuck you
Then go support the ira or something.
Anyone still listening in 2023? Give me goose bumps every time a lot of meaning in this ❤
Still listening... it will stay with me always
stilll......
Didnt know "stopping" was a possibility
If anyone misinterpreted the lyrics, you've never been there, boots on ground. Is song comforts me and has helped me how longer than you understand.
This song doesn’t hit more close to home until after you’ve been through it. I always thought this song was just out of touch and stupid before I joined and now going through it I realize how accurate this shit is. Wish I could have run into my past self and at least issued a word of warning as to what the hell I was getting myself into.
Y'know, lotta people are arguing about "oh, this is pro-military" or "oh this is anti-military". Nah, it's anti-war. You can be anti-war without being against the military or those serving it.
Exactly. I see/hear an anti war anthem when I watch this. War is hell and evil for all sides involved. This song captures that well. A budding soldier ready to fight is swept up in the brutal reality of it and the innocent lives that are taken amongst the chaos....
Wish people had your sense
aviatorEngineer Yes you can. The song is clearly anti-war, which means it’s obviously against the military, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s opposing the average soldier. The song is making a point that war is hell, and that many young men don’t realize what they’re signing up for when they join. It’s pro-soldier, as it tells the real story of war rather than some glamorized version pushed by the media, Hollywood, or politicians.
Most people IN the military are anti-war.
This is stupid XD
The realest song ever
@@ryanradez2703 so what are you doing here?
I know
Three cheers for Ryan everybody 😂😂😂😂
@@ryanradez2703 sad part is the far left wingers hate this country and everything else, because of how ignorant and brainwashed they are, they are snowflakes for a reason 💀💀💀
@@santiagoh8868 As a far left winger currently serving active duty in the army... can't confirm.
I’m almost 50 years old and I cry every time I hear this song. It’s beautiful and terrible at the same time.
About 10 years ago a school friend of mine died when we were not yet 18 years old. It was her favorite song and was played at the funeral - there was a video of her singing the song herself with the guitar. I couldn't hear it for years after that. When the song came on the radio today, for the first time I didn't turn off the radio and listened to the song to the end. Every second really hurt. This song will hurt my whole lifetime.
This is why rise against is the best, they actually use music to talk about serious issues in the world ! They are truly amazing.
DarkVoidOblivion in a way that doesn't feel too in your face and explicit
This song, man.
My dad is a Vietnam vet.
He was stationed on a place called Da Nang. EOD. My dad told grandpa once that aside from the family he wasn't ever welcomed home. He was called a baby killer just like the rest. So when I was ten years old, 34 years after he got out of Vietnam, I made him a card for Veterans Day, just like the other kids. However, mine said "Welcome Home". The school sent them out and my teacher asked why I wrote mine that way. I told her what I overheard. That's the only time I ever saw her cry.
Edit; I didn’t realize this would get the thumbs up numbers that it has, and for Father’s Day I’m going to tell him about this post again and read some of your comments. (6-11-21)
TheWolfElder My dad's a Vietnam vet too. He was with Garryowen.
TheWolfElder my uncle was there too
My dad was also stationed at Da Nang.
Your dad got used of makes greeded people. He was kind of a victim, too. Also the people in the korean war, in the middle east and the latest one the people in the ukraine.
People can't change what happened. And I think he suffered by that, too?
Many soldiers not only americans are also kind of victim of propaganda. I mean, why should a normal person want to go to war? Nobody with healthy mind would want to kill someone or get the risk to get killed. So the people who send soldiers to wars have to, kinda brainwash(?) the soldiers before they become a soldier.
My thoughts are a bit seperated and my english isn't that good, I hope you can understand what I mean.
@@Rulemaker101 But not without cause. The Vietnamese were kinda dirty with those tactics. Either you and the kid go, or just the kid goes. Can't really blame the soldier.
This song hit home so much. I dont think they understood how real this song is. As a combat vet it makes me weep everytime I hear it because the memories come flooding back. I dont feel disrespected or that Rise Against is Anti military. I feel they painted a very true picture of what I went through for my country and the corruption of my own humanity. I've watch horrible things happen and done horrible things for my country under the guise of being viewed as a hero. I have severe PTSD and have a very hard time living a civilian life. I've had several of my former troops commit suicide from the guilt of things we had to do. I appreciate this song for its honesty but it makes me cry everytime I hear it.
I'm not a veteran, but I feel your emotions whole heartedly. My family has vets and we have a deep appreciation for what they have done for us folks. I'm a welder and help keep this country humming in that way, I am also a Patriot and will stand with the country until I cease. Your words are so real and I pray for all of you guys battling the demons. A marine friend of mine from my welding school UTI in Phoenix AZ recently took his own life, always tragic.
@@icarusburning2208 Every day is a battle for myself and alot of my fellow vets. I'm up in northern Az and I know UTI well. As well as MMI when I was a teenager growing up in Glendale we used to drag race on Happy Valley RD. Phoenix is like a foreign country to me now and having Severe PTSD it is a very stressful situation to even go back down there to visit due to the amount of people. At any rate that song really hits home for me and I love it because it speaks volumes of TRUTH.
@@vintagetrk i don't blame you there, I live in Northern MN now on 30 acres now and I can't stand any city. Did 1 year in Phoenix and that's been my only proper city living I've done. I'm glad this song is there for you and other vets. Be well, I know the forest can be healing. I spent lots of time in the woods to cure my depression.
@@icarusburning2208 I love living out in the country. The quiet is what I need. I wish I had 30 acres to farm LOL. I'm on 2.5 acres
@@vintagetrk just bought a 1952 Ford 8n this year that my buddies an I are working on periodically. We've got 18 acres of woods on the 30 but we plan on raising our own food. Lots to do and little time. Looks like the world is gonna get jiggy with these incoming supply shortages. Our growing season up here is apx first week of June until early October. So not real long.
13 years later and it still makes me cry, good song.
lyrics
He said "Son
Have you seen the world?
Well what would you say
If I said that you could?
Just carry this gun
You'll even get paid"
I said, "That sounds pretty good"
Black leather boots
Spit-shined so bright
They cut off my hair
But it looks alright
We marched and we sang
We all became friends
As we learned how to fight
A hero of war
Yeah, that's what I'll be
And when I come home
They'll be damn proud of me
I'll carry this flag
To the grave if I must
Cause it's a flag that I love
And a flag that I trust
I kicked in the door
I yelled my commands
The children, they cried
But I got my man
We took him away
A bag over his face
From his family and his friends
They took off his clothes
They pissed in his hands
I told them to stop
But then I joined in
We beat him with guns
And batons not just once
But again and again
A hero of war
Yeah, that's what I'll be
And when I come home
They'll be damn proud of me
I'll carry this flag
To the grave if I must
Cause it's a flag that I love
And a flag that I trust
She walked
Through bullets and haze
I asked her to stop
I begged her to stay
But she pressed on
So I lifted my gun
And I fired away
And the shells jumped trough the smoke
And into the sand
That the blood now had soaked
She collapsed with a flag in her hand
A flag white as snow
A hero of war
Is that what they see?
Just medals and scars
So damn proud of me
And I brought home that flag
Now it gathers dust
But it's a flag that I love
It's the only flag I trust
He said "Son
Have you seen the world?
Well what would you say
If I said that you could?"
I think the message is more along the lines of "war is hell and soldiers are the poor bastards who have to deal with it, They aren't indestructible gods. They are people who have done and seen horrible things and been told it was for good a reason " not the whole "grumble grumble, soldiers are evil, the military is evil".
THANK YOU.
it's a bit of both, really?
And they come home and realize that they and the ones they fought are really not so different. They all have family, friends, and loved ones. And they must come to terms with what they did to those people, those people with parents and with children.. because they were told to. It's the guilt at the heart of PTSD. It's a hard thing to cope with.
they're not evil or indestructible, many broken by things they were made to do
+kms Z28 Yeah, terrorists have families, but they still need to be taken out. It's a hard thing to do.
This song hits differently now…
Yup, all the pain and death for nothing, may the ones who rest ther find ther pice.
Yeah it does... I came back to this song because of recent events. I've never served, I wanted to, but not under the current leadership.
nah, i think it's precisely how it always has been, your view on things might have changed though. i feel bad for all the people who have any kind of war experience. i feel terrible frustration and rage against those that keep starting war after war after war to serve the interests of a small group of companies and businessmen.
@@moos5221 Yea hopefully the next time the United States stands up trying to start a war our divided nation comes together both left and right and they look at the government like fuck you dude we’re not doing this shit again. The amount of money and lives lost… the United States is far from a saint and I guarantee you it’s a matter of time before our government tries getting us sucked into another war… idk hopefully we achieve global peace soon all life is precious the only time we should take a life is to save one ☝🏻
@@militaristaustrian Fuck that. May the people responsible for this meaningless butchery suffer in agony for all eternity.
It`s not a question of land, race, colour, religion. It`s a question of life, of freedom of peace. There isn`t anything more important to fight for than peace. Becouse it is EVERYONES right to live and grow in peace. Nor more war on europen ground.
Lyrics
He said son, have you seen the world?
Well, what would you say if I said that you could
Just carry this gun, you'll even get paid
I said that sounds pretty goodBlack leather boots
Spit-shined so bright
They cut off my hair but it looked alright
We marched and we sang
We all became friends
As we learned how to fightA hero of war
Yeah that's what I'll be
And when I come home
They'll be damn proud of me
I'll carry this flag
To the grave if I must
Cause it's a flag that I love
And a flag that I trustI kicked in the door
I yelled my commands
The children, they cried
But I got my man
We took him away
A bag over his face
From his family and his friendsThey took off his clothes
They pissed in his hands
I told them to stop
But then I joined in
We beat him with guns
And batons not just once
But again and againA hero of war
Yeah that's what I'll be
And when I come home
They'll be damn proud of me
I'll carry this flag
To the grave if I must
Cause it's a flag that I love
And a flag that I trustShe walked through bullets and haze
I asked her to stop
I begged her to stay
But she pressed on
So I lifted my gun
And I fired awayAnd the shells jumped through the smoke
And into the sand
That the blood now had soaked
She collapsed with a flag in her hand
A flag white as snowA hero of war
Is that what they see?
Just medals and scars
So damn proud of me
And I brought home that flag
Now it gathers dust
But it's a flag that I love
The only flag that I trustHe said, son, have you seen the world?
Well what would you say, if I said that you could?
Leo thank you!
thanks
Thanks
thank you
This song is honestly such a hard hitting masterpiece.
Edit: this song is hauntingly more relevent now than it was when I originally left this comment here 7 years ago. Please stay strong and take care of yourselves everybody. One day we'll see real world peace. Maybe not in our lifetimes, but it'll happen one day.
It truly is - I couldn't have put it better myself
If this song doesn't tear jerk you right now, you're a monster.
I was an Army Airborne Infantryman and I can say this song is not an actual insult to servicemen.. it's just real. It's just the truth and yeah the truth, is hard to swallow. War is a terrible terrible awful thing
So was my boyfriend.. I showed this to him and tears.. he was Army infantry 101 airborne
For everybody who did not get the message of the song a little quote:
I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong. ~Bertrand Russell
that's true
+AngerPersonified you guys are the ones i've been looking for, you guys get this song
There is ZERO reason to FUCKING BELIEVE that fighting against the insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan is wrong. Literally ZERO REASON. Our enemies over there fuck little boys instead of their wives. Our enemies TARGET innocent people going to the store. ISIS, Al Qaeda, Taliban, and whatever else they want to call themselves are PURE EVIL. The people we have fought overseas literally target CHILDREN. Moral equivalence is a bullshit concept.
Go over there and witness it first hand dumbass,;before you try to justify terrorist/insurgents actions.
not sure if sarcasm
BelowAverage 11BVet the C.I.A. trained and gave Guns to ISIS and Alqaeda and also created ISIS this is no conspiracy just history dont believe me fine that wont change the past
Finally somebody speaks the truth about what goes on in war. I freaking hate patriotic commercials that make it seem as if the represented country is morally awesome. Wake up ladies and gentlemen! For us to live the way that we live, it comes with a price.
I agree I'm going to the Marines in a couple weeks and I want the honesty not the glamor and glitz of the situation
There's actually an Australian song made in 1983 talking about how bad the Vietnam war was its called I Was Only 19
In the time of peace ,sons burying their fathers . In time of war , fathers burying their sons.
I get a chill down my back every time I hear “cause it’s a flag that I love, and I flag that I trust.” Best line in this whole song
This made me remember this quote:
"Kill one person, and it's a tragedy, kill one hundred, a thousand, a million of people, and it just becomes another number".
That's a Stalin Quote, "One Death is a tragedy, One Million Deaths is a statistic."
oof
Kill one you are a murderer,kill millions you are a conqueror
The origin of that quote is the Renaissance I believe. The original is "kill a man, one is a murderer; kill a million, a conqueror; kill them all, a god"
And your tax revenue falls sharply for some reason
Rest in peace, Tom "TomTom" Barnes. Aged 43. Loved relative.
KIA. Iraq. 2013.
Squad killed, held off hostiles until last civilians rescued, died in progress.
Not every soldier has to be a villain.
I miss you, Tom.
AT LEAST THERES ONE DAMN AMERICAN ON THIS PAGE!
Support from a Dutch guy for this.
Thank you for your sacrifice
Amen.... Thank you! Respect
Sorry sweetheart, I'm calling bullshit on this, there has not been one coalition member killed by that name, in that time frame and age group
RIP real artists where have you all gone.
I listened to this song, while taking a warm shower and I still got the strongest goosebumps of my life. Much respect to all those serving for no matter what country, and a true masterpiece by Rise Against. Thank all of you, may God bless you.
Every time I listen to this, it makes me want to cry.
trill
So true. Whenever I hear a song, such as this one, that acts as a sermon of remembrance. I think back to those times when my single father was deployed to Kuwait, later Iraq, and as a child I was more alone than I could bare, but my father went anyway because of his love for his country. It was hard, and I often cried, similar to my reaction to the recurring memories buried in this song. Beautiful song...
i feel you DD, my dad was in desert storm and the later part of bushes oil war and peace keeping, etc. bless your father and your family.
Even after 11 years this song still gives me chills EVERYTIME
I think this song will never give no chills man
Yeah sadly there is still no lack of people willing to kill and die for their countries
🎉
Why am I crying? Everything in this video brings back so many horrible memories that I've hidden away.
Pray for Yemen guys 🙏🏼
I get goosebumps all over my body every time I hear this song.
There is no glory or greatness in war only death and decay.
thats what life is... death and decay... memories fade with time so do we... thats decay and everything that is born, dies... BUT always remember that life will go on smile it will make you day better ^-^
joshstewart1321 True as it is, its still very depressing.
There is no glory in war . It's only said to make soldiers risk their lives
"We all become friends, as we learned how to fight." If that don't make you cry, did you even Grunt?
I can't believe I didn't hear this song until 2020. Everybody needs to hear it.
Not many things can bring tears to my eyes, but this did
No one wins war. This world needs peace. :(
the day war stops is the day the lord comes
True
at war nobody wins they all lose ...
+R7 Jet Reider Sorry but it wont happen, its in our nature. :/
+R7 Jet Reider Very true. However, we live in a world ruled by a hateful bloodthirsty species. Ultimately there is always going to be war and there is nothing any of us can do to stop it. Hate will always be present as long as there are two people still alive on this earth one will find a reason to hate the other and fight over it. I've come to accept that there is just always going to be war and violence in this world, but all the good things big and small outweigh the bad and you have to take solace in that.
Every time I hear this song it reminds me of my service time, the men and women I served with, the ones lost on both sides and my brother who served
we are destroying one another for no reason. When we must help one another support one another cheer one another and love one another.....
To any soldier past, present, or future, thank you for your service.
You realize this song and the band Rise Against are anti war, right?
+Random Guy Right! The soldier is just trying to fight for a good thing, the government manipulates him to gain money and power.
The military forces of a country should only be big enough to defend their own borders. Now we have a moronic and racist oligarchy trying to force their greed on the rest of the world. Yup it's the broken states of 'Murica. I mean not because my own country is innocent but our wars have always been for simple land near us or self defense. To think that the world's biggest bully is armed with nukes is just scary. Got nothing but respect for the individuals but the US military (and most of NATO) is just rotten to the core.
King Diamond (a metal musician originally from Denmark living in the US) explained it pretty well. “I am eligible to vote in the upcoming US Presidential election, but I won't, because there isn't a candidate who represents what I want. In Denmark, you have 13 or more political parties, so it's not too difficult to find a party who reflect your views. Coalitions happen all the time, and there's a decent percentage that will be represented. In America, though, it's a two party system, and that's bad because they spend much of the time disagreeing with each other for the sake of casing arguments. If one patty suggests doing something, you know the other will automatically argue against that. So, what chance is there for a reasonable representation?"
teamrock.com/feature/2016-04-22/king-diamond-music-politics-religion-tv-sport-health-fans
This must be one of the most important songs of our generation, it would be great if everybody understood it.
yeah man yeah
Agree
Understanding requires experience. It would be great if nobody understood it.
The recent news has brought me back here. A thoroughly depressing situation, and my thoughts are with everyone who sacrificed on the promises of those at the top.
Same man
x2
What happened?
💔
@@zwojack7285 Biden withdrawn troops from Afghanistan without a proper planning, within a week the taliban has essentially now taken control of the country. Cos of that now there's American citizens left behind/still there, and sadly 1000s of lives sacrificed over 20 years for essentially nothing.
Horrifying/devastating for anyone involved
I have heard this song about 30 times now, and watching the video gives me chills
i served 20 years its over now, my best friend was killed in front of me by an i e d, worsyt day of my life afganistan was a hard road, rip colbourn i tried to save you, but i failed. love u brother ppcli airborn all the way 2nd battalian..love you brother your little girl misses you and your memory will never die....
Bless you and your fellow comrades
+Saul Star Terrible what normal human beings have to go through just because the politicians want whatever they want.
+Saul Star Thank you for your service, it's greatly appreciated and I hope you're doing okay.
im so sorry about your friend. :( god bless you, thank you for service.
+Saul Star Amen brother. Take care of yourself and colbourn's family. I don't know either of you but coming from a military family I am sure he would want you to care for them. Blessed be my friend and thank you for your sacrifices.
He sings with so much emotion!
Indeed
I was a soldier in the IDF for two years and 8 months, i've been a tank commander at war.
I was diagnosed with PTSD and there is not even one day without thinking about the lives that i took and the friends that I lost and i'm listening over and over again to this great song and thinking about how tough this world is.
May there come peace to everybody, and no more wars on earth.
You are not alone brotha, I am Palestinian and I know you guys are forced to do what you do. Most of you joined because you had to and the brainwashing that was spilled onto you early as a child. I have American/Danish/German/Israeli friends who went through the same thing from the military and it brought us closer than ever.
@@morbidsstudio stop sympathizing with child killers. Let them live with the truth what they did and the pain they put everyone through. Pray that they be trialled Nuremberg style for the countless killings they've done.
Anybody who took lives for whatever reason was, must be aware that they caused a kid to go to bed without being able to touch their dads or moms. So someone else is suffering any second they breath because a pain they caused. I dont wanna be "stonehearted" but being regretful wont bring them back and that things arent something can be said " Lets forget it and look further" about. There is no right war that people lose their families in.
@@AA-wp8yl
I am no child killer, never killed or hurt directly a child.
I was a soldier in a war, and I never shot anybody who did'nt shot at me first and tried to kill me.
I understand that if you are not an israeli or a palestinian things may look different from your view.
but for my personal opinion, there are two sides for this terrible war which i hope one day will end, and there are no winners.
I am sure that the pain i feel for my fallen friends is not different from the pain I caused for those who loved the so called "enemy" warriors that i killed, and this circles goes on and on for decades.
I don't hate arabs, and i support a solution between israel and palestine so they will have their own states next to israel (in the borders of june 4th 1967), so don't make me a child murderer or a racist, because that's just chip politcs and it's far from being true.
@@AA-wp8yl Or maybe you should stay away from topics that you know absolutely nothing about except the most catchy headlines.
And only the dead truly see the end of war.
"Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war."
- Albert Einstein
This song takes me back to when my dad was in Afgahnistan, the emotional rollercoster...
Iron Ryu Unless something bad happened to your father (in which case I'm sorry and the rest of the comment doesn't apply), I don't really see what's emotional about it.
Nick Burns Nothing too bad, he got shot in the arm. But it's emotional because I was worried. I don't know if you had anyone in your family going to war. But it's just nervwrecking to sit at home and thinking about that your father could be dead right now or captured or what ever. I know you might say "Just don't think about it" But that's really not possible in that situation..
Iron Ryu My dad went to Afghanistan, too. I didn't really think about it much, I wasn't that worried. I guess we just had different ways of thinking about it.
Nick Burns theres something wrong between you and your father dude
leif Hunkeke In my opinion, there's no reason to be emotional unless something happens.
To those current & former service members whose lives have been changed by what you experienced in the line of duty, when you feel that society has moved on and forgetten, know that there are still people out there that recognize and appreciate what you have done.
Thank you! ✌️🤜
I just have to add one thing to this masterpiece. DON'T TRUST FLAGS!
This song gives me the chills. Particularly the part he sings: "A flag white of snow". Great song! I listen to it all the time!
It gives me the chills know what our soldiers will do for the world but our government doesn't hardly help and their also gonna make this world go to shit. I'm grateful the the soldiers and the veterans considdering my grandfather was a veteran. He doesn't have much of hud life left but I will enjoy our last moments. He is a veteran though, doesn't deserve any problems. I mean, damn. a couple months ago, he was having a heart attack and drove himself to the hospital. And we have the VA hospital. Soldiers are dieing because they aren't helping them. I will enjoy the life I have with my grandpa.
"This song is not anti-amreican. It's anti WAR" - Billie Joe Armstrong about the Green Day song "Holiday". In my oppinion the quote also fits "Hero of war" 10000 %
Why can't you spell?
That's not what it is at all... He's singing about the horrors of war not anti this or anti that it's showing what our men and women go thru and live with
Its still anti American
@@leftcursor3763 no it's no u idiot
@@leftcursor3763 Its not anti American, its a song about the horrors of war and its affect on the soldiers and people involved.
I'm not US soldier, I Ukrainian soldier, but this song very actual in my country now...
From one Vet to another, Slava Ukraine!
God speed and good luck may the divine be with you
This is about the soldiers line of progression. Starting in basic thinking they are fighting for America and will come back a hero. Next being deployed and finding out you are really fighting for that person next to you and doing what you must to survive. Finally committing the atrocities of war and getting it. The line “a hero of war, is that what they see? Just medals and scars, so damn proud of me.” He’s come full circle and understands. That standing ovation you get when you come home doesn’t mean dick. The world will never know the monster you had to be to come home. Heroes don’t come home only the monsters do.
The opposite of war isn't peace.....it's creation
There's something to notice about the final chorus for those who didn't catch it. In the first few verses, he believes in his country and what he's doing. Slowly he hates what he's doing more and more. The tipping point is when he's forced to shoot the girl, and finds her holding a white flag. This breaks him and the changed last chorus then says how he's now disgusted by how they're proud of him, he takes the white flag and says it's the only flag he loves or trusts now. At the end of the song, he doesn't believe in his country or in what he was being made to do.
right on the money
There are no winners in war.
As a us army veteran 12B a part of me never came back home even if im home
dang that's dark
This has to be one of the best and most cleverly written songs I've ever heard. It's perfect
I showed This song to My dad and he loved it!
He told me a story about when he was in the Swedish military.
So basically, he was with his group (think it was Delta) and they were controlling the border between we're the military had control, and were the "terrorists" had control. When they were watching, my dad saw two parents crying on their side behind the fence between the border. He got to them and they said that their two children was on the other side. He wasn't allowed to go over to the other side, because then he dead in a few second. But my dad borrowed a car from someone (I don't really remember) and drove right into their opponents side. The other guys made his radio buzz like crazy, but he wanted to get the children. He actually found the two kids that told him that their parents was on the other side, so he knew it was them. He drove them back to the military's side and the children rushed into their parents arms. They were so happy to see each other. However, his other mates were really angry for risking his life but he managed to bring a family together and basically saved the children.
God bless your father!! :)
Your dad is hero
Voltz Heartbreaking story ♥ Respect!
Sir your father is a hero
True hero!
This song hits hard, because when you join up you have a perspective that is changed when you are out again. I feel every bit of this song. Great work.
Hearing this song now in 2023, and seeing the outcome of the middle east is truly heartbreaking
i have been listening to this song since it came out, and tonight is the first time i ever listened to the whole thing, because i always cry too hard during the last verse to finish.
I feel like if the world paid attention to the messages Rise Against has in their songs, it would be a MUCH better place.. We're already screwed enough with everything going on as it is today, we don't need to mess this place up even more with harmful wars or anything.. If only we could all unite and try making a better place sigh.
Well,if anything these comments have taught me, its that at least half the people can't even understand the message properly. I mean they're over here praising the soldiers in the current conflicts, instead of feeling sorry for them. As well as encouraging kids that say they will enlist, to enlist.
I seriously love how Rise Against is anti war, but they never once insult the soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, you know the people actually fighting. In fact all their anger seems to be pointed at the powers that be, the politicians, the VA, the system in general. As someone who’s in the Army, I really love that.
As to this song and Survivors Guilt, they have both become a huge favorite of mine rather quickly.
With everything going on in Afghanistan, all the uncertainty, and the chaos, to everyone that’s over there, please be careful.
Thank you, Rise Against. Much love!
I just found this today, and I have cried more than once, and had an empathic breakdown on the fourth listen. It's the 2nd chorus that gets me. Same lyrics, but now it's almost sarcastic in its hindsight, like what a fool I was for thinking that. I have so much respect for the people that go through shit like this, and though I will probably never understand at the same level, i still understand.