Meaning of "My War" by Black Flag

The lyrics of "My War" by Black Flag convey a deep sense of disillusionment and betrayal. The narrator addresses someone they thought was a friend, but quickly realizes that this person is actually part of the group they despise. The repetition of the phrase "you're one of them" serves to emphasize the shock and disappointment the narrator feels. It suggests that the friend exhibits the same negative qualities as the people they criticize, demonstrating that their actions do not align with their claims of friendship.

The lyrics also depict a sense of alienation and a struggle with understanding the concept of friendship. The line "I might not know what a friend is, all I know is what you're not" suggests that the narrator is unsure of the true nature of friendship, but is certain that this person does not embody those qualities. This further highlights the feeling of betrayal and adds to the sense of isolation that the narrator experiences.

The song also delves into themes of frustration and anger, as evidenced by the lines "I have a prediction, it lives in my brain, it's with me every day, it drives me insane." The narrator expresses a deep-seated anger and aggression, hinting at the desire to unleash violence upon those they feel betrayed by. The mention of having a gun and wanting to kill further reinforces the intensity of their emotions and the hopelessness they may feel.

Overall, "My War" explores themes of betrayal, disillusionment, isolation, and anger. It reflects the narrator's struggle to navigate relationships and their frustration with the hypocrisy and duplicity of those around them.