Meaning of "We Could Be Kings" by Dave Hause

"We Could Be Kings" delves into themes of rejection, disillusionment, and shattered dreams. The song begins by describing a relationship that falls apart when one partner stops coming around after promising to find work. The lyrics paint a picture of a past summer filled with joy and romance in the backseat of a car, but things change when the partner comes inside. This change in tone suggests a violation or betrayal that alters the relationship.

As the song progresses, it touches on the struggles of life, including mixing money and blood and being unemployed. The reference to the sergeant promising a cake walk and then being deployed portrays a sense of shattered expectations and broken promises. The lyrics show the longing for easy answers and the devastating effects of circumstances beyond one's control. It also highlights the difficulties faced by people on both sides of conflicts, suggesting that the realities of life are not black and white.

The chorus emphasizes the sense of being damned from the start and the pain of shattered dreams. The lyrics question whether it ripped the person apart to be told that they could be kings when the odds were always against them. This theme resonates with the idea of societal expectations and the pressure to achieve greatness despite the obstacles faced.

Towards the end of the song, the lyrics acknowledge that sometimes the truth must be let go and that it is hard to keep it in. This can be interpreted as a reflection on the difficulty of accepting one's circumstances and letting go of unrealistic expectations. The song concludes by rejecting the idea of ripping someone apart by giving false hope. Instead, it suggests opening up and singing together, acknowledging that we are all damned from the start.