Meaning of "Gun Shy" by 10,000 Maniacs

The song portrays the experience of a family member witnessing the transformation of a loved one into a soldier, reflecting on the loss of innocence and the potential for harm that comes with military service. The narrator expresses a deep concern for the young man, urging him to remember his humanity when facing the outside world and not resort to violence. The lyrics critique the system that molds young men into soldiers, highlighting the difference between being trained for war and being truly morally developed as a person. It is a poignant reflection on the impact of war on individuals and the difficulty of maintaining one's moral compass in the face of societal expectations.