Meaning of "Back When We Had Nothing" by Banners

In "Back When We Had Nothing," Banners conveys a sense of nostalgia for a time when the speaker and others had very little materially, but found contentment and fulfillment in their lives. The imagery of flags on the floor and a cold war suggests a world in chaos and conflict. The "battle torn" soldiers folding and laying down their arms symbolize a surrender of control and the letting go of lost souls into a rabbit hole, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for descending into the unknown. However, the speaker resists this surrender, proclaiming "But I won't."

The song then transitions to a description of "halls" and "holy walls" with echoes of light lost in time. This can be seen as a reflection on the past, perhaps in a metaphorical or literal place of worship. The question, "Do you hear me call?" injects a sense of longing and desperation, as if the speaker is reaching out for someone to remember that time.

The chorus repeats the phrase "Back when we had nothing, we had everything," emphasizing the paradoxical nature of this nostalgic period. It suggests that when they were stripped of material possessions, they found true fulfillment, freedom, and purpose. The repetition of this refrain conveys a sense of longing for that time and the realization that they can never fully recapture it.

The second verse introduces the idea of eyes against walls, a symbol of resilience and defiance against surrender. The bullets flying and blinding skies further emphasize the chaotic and dangerous environment they navigate. The line, "If we die tonight, when it all goes up in flames, we'll fly this hurricane," suggests a willingness to face death while maintaining a sense of resilience and hope. The idea of washing away like tidal waves as it fades may indicate a desire to let go of the past and move on from their struggles.

Overall, "Back When We Had Nothing" reflects on the paradox of finding contentment and fulfillment in the midst of having very little. It explores themes of war, sacrifice, redemption, and the desire for a simpler time. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, while also highlighting the resilience and hope that can be found in the face of adversity.