The lyrics of "I Bury The Living" by Morrissey depict the perspective of a soldier who is being manipulated and used as cannon fodder in war. The soldier expresses confusion about the purpose of the war, feeling detached from the violence and death surrounding him. The song highlights the sense of duty and sacrifice instilled in soldiers, despite the devastating consequences.

Read more
image

Meaning of "I Bury The Living" by Morrissey


"I Bury The Living" delves into the theme of the dehumanization of soldiers in war, focusing on their roles as pawns in a larger political game. The soldier in the song is portrayed as a naive and innocent young man who is swept up in the military and forced to carry out orders without understanding the true implications of his actions. Morrissey critiques the sense of duty and honor that is often manipulated to justify sending young individuals to die in conflicts they may not fully comprehend. The repeated refrain of "you can't blame me" emphasizes the soldier's attempt to deflect responsibility by claiming ignorance. The song ultimately questions the futility of war and the tragic sacrifice of young lives for causes they do not truly believe in.