Meaning of "Both Sides of the Gun" by Ben Harper

The lyrics of "Both Sides of the Gun" by Ben Harper express a deep sense of disillusionment with the current state of affairs in the world. Harper reflects on the feeling of living in a society where old doctrines and systems no longer serve the people, leaving them as passive observers of a never-ending war. The lyrics touch on themes of powerlessness, doubt, and lack of choice, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals who feel trapped in a system that prioritizes political self-interest over the well-being of its citizens. The references to feeling crowded, trapped, and one-dimensional in a three-dimensional world serve to emphasize the suffocating nature of the societal constraints that individuals must navigate. The mention of politics as a drag and the image of stepping on the flag while being pushed into the grave symbolize the destructive impact of political corruption and the ways in which it erodes the values of a society. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of urgency, calling for a reevaluation of the systems in place and a search for greater connection and meaning beyond the constraints of a society plagued by tension and division.