Meaning of "Gather 'Round The Stone" by Ben Harper

The lyrics of "Gather 'Round The Stone" by Ben Harper poignantly address the senselessness of war and the impact it has on young lives. The opening lines convey a sense of premature death and lost potential, as young people are sent off to war without fully understanding the gravity of the situation. The image of ashes from an unfinished life encapsulates the tragedy of lives cut short, leaving behind only memories in a locket. The song also touches on the cycle of violence, with powerful imagery of whipping the back of freedom until it bleeds an oil stream, symbolizing the sacrifices made in the name of war and the exploitation of resources. The reference to old men sending children off to die emphasizes the generational impact of war and the constant reminder of mortality. Overall, the lyrics paint a somber picture of the consequences of war and highlight the human cost of conflict.