The meaning of the lyrics of the song "We Were Men" by the artist "Theory Of A Deadman"

Theory of a Deadman's "We Were Men" delves into the profound trauma and emotional turmoil experienced by a soldier grappling with the aftermath of war. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man haunted by PTSD, plagued by nightmares and consumed by guilt.

The opening verse sets the scene, vividly portraying the visceral nature of the nightmares that jolt the protagonist awake. He's thrust back into the throes of combat, feeling the searing heat of flames and hearing the terrifying rain of bullets. Despite the fear, he finds a perverse comfort in these nightmares, perhaps because they feel more real than his current reality.

The chorus introduces the central conflict: the protagonist was a soldier, fulfilling his duty, defending his country. However, he's acutely aware of the lies and propaganda that mask the true cost of war. He grapples with the righteousness of his actions, feeling used and betrayed by the very system he swore to protect.

The second verse delves deeper into the protagonist's emotional turmoil. He seeks solace in the memory of a loved one, but the pain and guilt are relentless. Medication offers no relief, his faith is shaken, and he feels broken and lost.

The third verse shifts into an indictment of those who wage war. Soldiers are portrayed as expendable pawns, stripped of their humanity and denied agency. Their sacrifice is trivialized, their memory exploited for political gain.

The final chorus emphasizes the tragedy: soldiers return from war forever changed, their scars invisible to a society that sent them to fight but fails to provide adequate support upon their return. They are left to grapple with the invisible wounds of war, their pain often ignored and misunderstood.

The repetition of "We were men" serves as a haunting reminder of the human cost of conflict, leaving listeners with a sense of unease and a deeper understanding of the psychological toll war takes on those who fight in it.