The lyrics paint a picture of a young boy who dies in a war while people in the valley forget the value of a child's life. A soldier mourns the loss of the boy, as a cloud weeps silently over his grave, highlighting the senselessness of war and the forgotten reasons for fighting.

Meaning of "The Side of a Hill" by Paul Simon

"The Side of a Hill" by Paul Simon delves into the tragic consequences of war and the forgotten innocence lost in conflicts. The image of a little boy lying asleep in the earth on the side of a hill serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of armed conflicts. While people in the valley are caught up in the brutality of war, the gentle cloud weeping over the grave symbolizes nature's sorrow over the loss. The soldier cleaning his gun, which took the life of a child, juxtaposes the stark reality of war with the purity of childhood innocence. The generals' blind orders to kill and the soldiers' obedience to fight for causes they no longer remember highlight the senselessness and futility of war. Through these vivid images and contrasts, the song critiques the dehumanizing nature of conflict and the long-lasting impact it has on individuals and society.