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3 Doors Down – Citizen Soldier

The artistic response to war that I have chosen to analyze is a song written by 3 Doors Down called “Citizen Soldier.”  This song was written by the band and was intended as a tribute to the National Guard in 2007.  The lyrics of this song emphasize the responsibility that soldiers carry during times of war.  The major theme in this song is the feeling of reliability.  The chorus echoes this theme with the line “On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care, I’ll be right here!”  Soliders have an indefinite amount of responsibility and duty in times of need and are willing to risk their life for their country and for their people.  3 Doors Down has captured the spirit of the American military’s purpose: to serve and protect, whenever, and wherever.  This is seen in other lines of the song, such as “We’ll always be ready because we will always be there.”  This gives the sense that this type of service and duty will never expire and will never be dismounted.  The United States is a major military force and the American people are proud of that fact and are comforted in knowing their country will protect them in every situation.  The meaning behind these lyrics echo this promise, for instance, “Hope and pray that you’ll never need me, but rest assured I will not let you down.”  3 Doors Down’s response to war in this song is portrayed as an appreciation for the spirit of service of soldiers.  The song is written from the perspective of a soldier or National Guard member and gives the listener a feeling of appreciation for service.   A line in the chorus details the theme and meaning in this song, “Citizen soliders holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.”  This song’s response to war is to put oneself in the place of the dedicated soldier’s perspective.

The link to the YouTube video is provided as well as the lyrics to the song:

“Citizen / Soldier”

Beyond the boundaries of your city’s lights,
Stand the heroes waiting for your cries.
So many times you did not bring this on yourself,
When that moment finally comes,
I’ll be there to help.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here.
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there.

When there are people crying in the streets,
When they’re starving for a meal to eat,
When they simply need a place to make their beds,
Right here underneath my wing,
You can rest your head.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there…

There… there… there…

Hope and pray that you’ll never need me,
But rest assured I will not let you down.
I’ll walk beside you but you may not see me,
The strongest among you may not wear a crown.

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I’ll be right here!
On that day when you don’t have the strength for the burden you bear,
I’ll be right here!
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
(Citizen soldiers)
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We’ll always be ready because we will always be there.