Meaning of "War" by Palisades

The lyrics of "War" explore the idea of personal responsibility and the consequences that come with destructive behaviors. The song opens with the line, "You're the only one to blame," emphasizing the idea that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own actions and the outcomes that follow. The first verse depicts someone who is trying to see the truth but is clouded by their own perspective. The reference to cleaning with kerosene implies a destructive attempt at finding clarity, resulting in burning away what remains. This metaphor suggests that taking extreme measures may lead to self-destruction and negative consequences.

The chorus introduces the idea of rolling the dice to determine one's fate, symbolizing the unpredictability of life and the choices we make. The use of the devil winning the game implies that destructive tendencies often prevail. The line, "You're better off with throwing grenades," suggests that embracing chaos and destruction may provide a brief satisfaction or escape, but ultimately leads to more harm. The repetition of the phrase "Blow it up, you like the way it burns" reinforces the idea that some individuals are drawn to self-destruction.

The second verse delves deeper into the psychology of the individual, emphasizing their desire to dream and find solace in therapy. However, the hand that feeds them, likely representing dependency or harmful influences, holds them back and restrains their progress. This reveals a struggle between seeking help and breaking free from negative patterns. The repetition of "You roll the dice" and "Don't expect for me to call your name" reinforces the message of personal responsibility and the need to face the consequences of one's actions.

The repetitive nature of the lyrics, particularly in the chorus, intensifies the theme of self-destruction and the urgency to break free from destructive cycles. The song ends with a repeated emphasis on being the only one to blame and not expecting external help or validation.