Meaning of "Casualties Of War" by Gossip

The lyrics of "Casualties of War" by Gossip delve into the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship. The song portrays a sense of longing and vulnerability as the narrator opens their eyes to the reality of the situation. They describe the feeling of seeing someone they still have feelings for, who they cannot love because of the person's inconsistent presence in their life. The line "Is it too much to feel the touch of someone that you couldn't love" shows the complexity of emotions involved.

The narrator's emotional state is further explored when they ask the person how they are doing, and even though they are fighting back tears, the person couldn't tell. This reveals the narrator's struggle to maintain a facade of strength while dealing with the pain of the failed relationship. They admit that they are not as strong as the other person perceived them to be.

The imagery of war is introduced as the narrator refers to themselves and the other person as "casualties of war." This metaphor emphasizes the emotional damage caused by the relationship and the sense of being wounded in the aftermath. The line "When you fall down, do you hear the sound of broken dreams hitting the ground?" evokes a sense of loss and shattered hopes.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of karma and the consequences of one's actions. The narrator acknowledges that the other person may have won a temporary battle, but the overall war is not yet over. The line "What goes around comes around tenfold" suggests that there will be repercussions for their actions, implying a sense of justice and eventual balance.

Overall, "Casualties of War" portrays the emotional complexity of a failed relationship and the pain and vulnerability that come with it. It explores themes of unrequited love, personal strength, and the consequences of one's actions.